2011 Testarossa Pinot Noir Sierra Madre Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Deep ruby. Pungent cherry and dark berry aromas are complicated by notes of licorice and dark chocolate. Brighter red fruits come up on the palate, along with a spicy quality and a hint of mocha. Finishes on a bitter cherry note, with good energy and dusty, fine-grained tannins.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
Looking at the reds from Santa Barbara County and a beautiful Pinot that offers up a pure, layered and structured profile, the 2011 Pinot Noir Sierra Madre Vineyard is loaded with black cherry, licorice, mineral, baking spices and scorched earth aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and elegant, with surprising density for the vintage, it will dish out loads of pleasure over the coming 7-8 years. Drink now-2021. Founded in 1993 by Rob and Diana Jensen, with the wines made by Bill Brosseau, Testarossa Winery is located just outside of Los Gatos (just south of San Jose) and pulls grapes from a star-studded cast of vineyards throughout the central coast. All of the wines have beautiful purity of fruit and classical, perfectly made profiles. They also remain reasonably priced given the quality. Tel. (408) 354-6150; www.testarossa.com
The 2011 Pinot Noir Sierra Madre Vineyard stands out for its focus, delineation and energy. Beams of acidity support dark cherry and plum notes as the wine opens up in the glass. Cloves, menthol and licorice follow, adding an element of gravitas that is highly appealing. There is plenty going on in the glass.