Domaine de la Côte: Whole Cluster Goodness
Domaine de la Côte is a French-inspired winery evident from the name and labels that was launched
with the 2011 vintage following the purchase of 40 acres of vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills from
Evening Land Vineyards by sommelier Rajat Parr winemaker Sashi Moorman, and their business
partners. Moorman discovered the site and originally developed the vineyards with Chris King in
2007.
The six vineyards are just seven miles from the Pacific Ocean and are planted on a soil base of silex
and diatomaceous earth that is unique to the Sta. Rita Hills. The vineyards are Memorious (3.5
acres), Bloom’s Field (7.5 acres), Siren’s Call (3 acres), Clos Juliet (1 Acre), La Côte (9.5 acres) and
15.5 acres of appellation Sta. Rita Hills. The vineyards are planted entirely to California heritage
selections at extremely high vine densities between 4,000 and 7,000 vines per acre, unprecedented
for the Sta. Rita Hills appellation.
The partners make the unique wines using whole cluster and ambient yeast fermentation, add no
enzymes, and age the wines in no new French oak barrels. The wines are produced in Lompoc,
three miles from the vineyards.
2012 was a classic vintage at the Domaine. Harvest started during the first weeks of September,
preceded by consistently warm afternoons and cool nights and mornings throughout the summer.
Yields were low.
The wines are sold by allocation to mailing list members and select restaurants. Visit the website at
www.domainedelacote.com.
2012 Domaine De La Côte Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., 2,100 cases, $45. 25% of vines are
own-rooted at a vine density of 4,000 vines per acre. 50% whole cluster fermentation, aged in 0%
new French oak barrels.
·
Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is replete with
whole cluster goodness including aromas of wilted rose, spice and wet bark. Fresh and juicy with mid
weight flavors of purple berries and spice and a floral note in the background. Easy to approach now
with supple but structured tannins and a tangy finish.
Score: 90
2012 Domaine De La Côte Bloom’s Field Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., 500 cases, $70.
100% whole cluster fermentation, aged in 0% new French oak barrels for 20 months.
·
Moderately
dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is similar to the Sta. Rita Hills bottling with rose petal
and spice playing a large role, but the aromas are more penetrating. Round, polished and discreetly
concentrated with upfront flavors of blueberry and black raspberry. Nicely balanced with modest
tannins and plenty of zip and zing.
Score: 92
2012 Domaine De La Côte La Côte Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
13.0% alc., 300 cases, $90.
From a small section of a 9-acre parcel that is planted in broken shale. The first vineyard
harvested and always produces the most opulent wine. 100% whole cluster fermentation,
aged in 0% new French oak barrels.
·
Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass.
Compelling aromas of boysenberry, black raspberry, spice and purple rose. Very smooth and
polished on the palate with layers of purple berry, plum, and spice flavors. Impeccably
balanced with tannins hiding in the background, juicy acidity, and a remarkably intense finish. Still a
little moody and will benefit from more time in bottle. This wine is the epitome of ephemeral.
Score: 94
