Mansfield-Dunne

Owner(s) John Peterson, Jr., Lynn Peterson
Web site www.mansfield-dunne.com
 
Link to this site
Mansfield-Dunne

A small grower in the Santa Lucia Highlands started a new label with the 2011 vintage. Mansfield-Dunne Wines is the culmination of a ten year effort to secure land in the Santa Lucia Highlands with the goal of growing premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and produce wine from those grapes.

The second release is a 2011 Peterson Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir that comes entirely from the family owned estate Peterson Vineyard (239 cases). The vineyard is 8.8 acres planted to Dijon clones "828," 667, and 115, and Pommard 5. The winemaker is veteran Ed Kurtzman.

The goal is to increase production to at least 500 cases. 1.1 acres of Chardonnay were added in 2011 at Peterson Vineyard, and a second property is under development in the Santa Lucia Highlands.

Reviewed Wines

2018 Mansfield-Dunne Cortada Alta Vineyard Dijon Clones Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 1 select barrel, $N/A. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Highly aromatic, with seductive aromas of dark berries, ripe black cherries, baking spices and dark chocolate. Full-bodied, with an appealing sleekness and roundness. Robust purple and black fruits are featured, framed by very modest tannins and uplifting acidity. Oak does not make an appearance. The intensely fruity finish is quenching. This wine has spirit. Score: 93. Reviewed February 28, 2021 ARTICLE »

2018 Mansfield-Dunne Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 336 cases, $39. A blend of ten clones. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 43% new. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Richly perfumed with aromas of blackberry preserves, black tea and dark rose petal. Full-bodied, with vigorous dark fruit flavors including blackberry, black grape, cassis and dark chocolate. Silky in texture, with weighty tannins and some length on the generously-fruited finish. Score: 90. Reviewed February 28, 2021 ARTICLE »

2018 Mansfield-Dunne Cortada Alta Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 192 cases, $58. Multiple clones. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 75% new. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Reserved aromas of black currant, cardamom spice and wet loamy soil. Full-bodied in style with layers of purple and black berry and pomegranate fruit flavors. Modest and balancing tannins with the faintest oak in the background. Impressively generous finish that lingers. Score: 92. Reviewed February 28, 2021 ARTICLE »

2018 Mansfield-Dunne Peterson Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., 168 cases, $65. Multiple clones. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Dark garnet color in the glass. A complex nose offers scents of black stone fruits, blueberry-pomegranate, tilled earth, sweet pipe tobacco and a hint of vanilla. Full-bodied and very charming with a plethora of boysenberry blackberry and allspice flavors. Velvety in the mouth, with very modest tannins and giving on the finish. Super rich and ripe but not at all jammy. Score: 93. Reviewed February 28, 2021 ARTICLE »

2017 Mansfield-Dunne Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.77, TA 0.58, 600 cases, $38. Release May 1, 2019. Clones 667, Pommard 5, 115, 777, 2A, Mt. Eden and Calera. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 42% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Intriguing aromas of black cherry, fertile soil, tobacco and toast. Mid weight essence of boysenberry fruit with added notes of blackberry, dark chocolate and smoky, charred oak. The wine sports ubmissive tannins with a modest but satisfying finish. Score: 89. Reviewed April 16, 2019 ARTICLE »

2017 Mansfield-Dunne Cortada Alta Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay

14.2% alc., pH 3.51, TA 0.63, RS < 0.1 g/L, 75 cases, $45. Release May 1, 2019. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderately light golden yellow with slight haze (unfiltered). Shy aromas of lemon, spice, vanillin and toast. Clean, smooth and creamy on the palate. Richly appointed flavors of sweet caramel nougat, butterscotch and vanilla with a faint thread of citrus. Score: 88. Reviewed April 16, 2019 ARTICLE »

2017 Mansfield-Dunne Peterson Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay

14.2% alc., pH 3.49, RS 0.61, RS < 0.1 g/L, 50 cases, $45. Release May 1, 2019. Hyde clone. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderately light golden yellow with slight haze (unfiltered). Very shy but pleasant aromas of lemon, apple, baking spice, and petrichor. Flavors of citrus, oil, melon, pineapple and pastry creme. Rather austere and only hints at its Chardonnay origins. Score: 88. Reviewed April 16, 2019 ARTICLE »

2017 Mansfield-Dunne Peterson Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.72, TA 0.55, RS < 0.1 g/L. 200 cases, $48. Release May 1, 2019. Clones “828,” 667, Pommard 5, 115 and 777. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 75% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose blossoms over time in the glass, revealing welcome aromas of dark red and purple fruits and a compliment of earth and oak cask. Gregarious purple grape, blackberry and black cherry fruit with fortuitous oak enhancement. A trim wine with good energy, a silky mouthfeel and a finish that is ripe, pure and clean with some persistence. Score: 93. Reviewed April 16, 2019 ARTICLE »

2017 Mansfield-Dunne Cortada Alta Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.79, TA 0.53, RS < 0.1 g/L. 300 cases, $58. Release May 1, 2019. Clones “828,” Mariafeld, Pommard 5, 667, Swan, Calera 2A and 943. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 64% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Blackberry fruit and smoky oak aromas combine on the nose. Mid weight flavors of blackberry and cassis that are overlain with smoky oak. Somewhat brooding, with some drying tannins on the finish. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, less oak infused the nose but the finish continued to show a slightly bitter, charred character. Score: 88. Reviewed April 16, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Mansfield-Dunne Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.73, TA 0.55, 288 cases, $36. Released June 1, 2017. Clones 667, Pommard 05, 115 and 777. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Light garnet color in the glass. The nose leads with hi-tone aromas of cherry and spice with a hint of guaiacol. Lighter styled, with a core of cherry fruit underlain with a smokiness suggesting smoke taint. Silky in the mouth, with juicy acidity and a slightly tart cherry-driven finish. Score: 88. Reviewed June 9, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 Mansfield-Dunne Peterson Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay

14.2% alc., pH 3.47, TA 0.68, 47 cases, 50 cases, $45. Released September 1, 2017. Hyde clone. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderate golden yellow color with mild unfiltered haze in the glass. Aromas of lemon-lime, pear, parchment and toasty oak. Rich and ripe in a full-bodied style featuring flavors of grilled lemon, grilled yellow peach, pear and blonde caramel. Syrupy in texture with cautious vibrancy and a thread of toasty oak in the background. Score: 89. Reviewed June 9, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 Mansfield-Dunne Peterson Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.3% alc.,pH 3.71, TA 0.59, 240 cases, $48. Release September 1, 2018. Clones “828,” 667, Pommard 05, 115 and 777 from Peterson Vineyard. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Pleasing aromas of muddled black cherry and spice, with more subtle aromas of potpourri, briar and smoke. Very similar flavor profile as the Santa Lucia Highlands bottling but with more concentration, more flavor intensity and more savoriness. The wine builds in appeal with time in the glass, offering a deft touch of nutty oak, a silky mouthfeel, integrated tannins and some finishing length. Score: 90. Reviewed June 9, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 Mansfield-Dunne Cortada Alta Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.71, TA 0.59, 141 cases, 150 cases, $58. Released June 1, 2018. Clones “828,” 23, Pommard 05, 667 and Swan. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Very pleasant and enticing aromas of black cherry, dark rose petal and seasoned oak. Mid weight plus in style, offering a melange of flavors including black cherry, black raspberry, plum, cola and spice. The fruit is ripe but not too ripe. Polished in demeanor, with good length in the mouth and a pleasing finish. Score: 91. Reviewed June 9, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 Mansfield-Dunne Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., pH 3.73, TA 0.55, RS <0.1 g/L, 280 cases, $36. Released September 1, 2017. Clones 667, 115, 777 and Pommard 5. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of dark berry compote are joined by aromas of nutty oak and a hint of soap. Rather luxurious in the mouth with a richly appointed core of boysenberry and black cherry fruits. The tannins are quite agreeable making for easy drinking. The wine finishes long and fruity with a bit of tartness. Two bottles tasted. Score: 88. Reviewed September 24, 2017 ARTICLE »

2015 Mansfield-Dunne Peterson Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay

14.2% alc., pH 3.47, TA 0.68, RS , 0.1 g/L, 250 cases, $43. Released September 1, 2017. Hyde clone. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderately dark golden yellow color in the glass. The nose is replete with the scent of citrus and toasty oak. More complex on the sleekly textured palate, with flavors of grilled lemon, cooked apple, honey, caramelized sugar and creme caramel. A rich, heady style showing significant winemaking input. Score: 88. Reviewed September 24, 2017 ARTICLE »

2015 Mansfield-Dunne Peterson Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.71, TA 0.59, RS < 0.1 g/L, 232 cases, $48. Released September 1, 2017. Clones “828,” 777, 115, 777 and Pommard 5. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 70% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Nutty oak dominates the nose with added aromas of dark berries and floral bouquet. Soft in the mouth, with a likable core of black cherry, blackberry and vanilla flavors. As in the nose, the nutty oak plays a noticeable role. The wine finishes cherry, blackberry and vanilla flavors. As in the nose, the nutty oak plays a noticeable role. The wine finishes with aromatic power accompanied by noticeable tartness in a citrus tone. Two bottles tasted. Score: 88. Reviewed September 24, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Mansfield-Dunne Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.74, TA 0.57, RS <.1g/L, 148 cases, $36. Released September 1, 2016. Clones 667, Pommard 5, 115 and 777. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. Winemaker Ed Kurtzman. · Light cherry red color in the glass. Effusive aromas of cherry, rose petal and sandalwood. The light to mid weight essence of cherry fruit is enhanced with notes of baking spices and dried herbs. The fruit is quite vivid, the tannins are suave, and the wine finishes with agreeable juiciness. Score: 90. Reviewed September 7, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 Mansfield-Dunne Peterson Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.74, TA 0.59, 340 cases, $48. Winemaker Ed Kurtzman. Clones “828,” 667, Pommard 5, 115 and 777. Aged 13 months in French oak barrels, 67% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The aromas of black raspberry preserves, plum, spice and rose petal are inviting. Very charming and polished, with a mid weight core of black cherry and raspberry fruit accented with spice and a tug of oak. Easy to like, with supple tannins and a finish that has length and juicy intensity. Even better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. This wine is certainly enjoyable now, but further aging will allow more expression and better oak integration. Score: 91. Reviewed August 18, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 Mansfield-Dunne Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 285 cases, pH 3.72, TA 0.60, $36. Clones 667, 115, 777 and Pommard 5. Aged 11 months in 35% new French oak barrels. Winemaker is Ed Kurtzman. · Light garnet color in the glass. Highly floral on the nose with cherries in the background. Demure and delicate, featuring red cherry and berry flavors. Soft and silky with unobtrusive tannins and easy drink ability. Score: 87. Reviewed July 19, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Mansfield-Dunne Peterson Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.72, TA 0.60, 325 cases, $48. Clones “828,” 667, Pomard 5, 115 and 777. Aged 1 months in 50% new French oak barrels. Winemaker is Ed Kurtzman. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. An array of red fruits perk up the nose. Elegant and silky on the palate with vibrant red cherry and cranberry fruits framed by exotic spices. Charming, with modest tannins and some finishing goodness. A very delicate and forward style that is unique for Santa Lucia Highlands. Score: 90. Reviewed July 19, 2014 ARTICLE »

2011 Mansfield-Dunne Peterson Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., pH 3.72, TA 0.60, 238 cases, $48. Released March 15, 2013. Produced entirely from a family owned estate vineyard. Second vintage. Clones “828,” 667, Pommard 5, 115 and 777. Aged 11 months in 40% new French oak barrels. Winemaker is veteran Ed Kurtzman. · Moderately light reddish-purple hue in the glass. A seductive wine offering bright aromas of fresh strawberries and cherries with a hint of spice and oak. Embraces the mid palate with vivid flavors of cherries, red raspberries, cranberries, nougat and spice. Silky tannins and balanced acidity make for a seamless drinking experience. This wine charms you in many ways. Very good. Reviewed June 23, 2013 ARTICLE »

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