Elite California Pinot Noir Vineyards Part III
“There are special California vineyards that have proven over time to
possess exceptional terroir for Pinot Noir.”
This issue is Part III or the third of a three-part article devoted to what I consider Elite California Pinot Noir
Vineyards.
As domestic Pinot Noir has enjoyed a surge in popularity over the past three decades and the consumer has
become more knowledgeable about Pinot Noir, there has been an increasing emphasis on vineyard sources.
Unlike Burgundy, where vineyards receive top billing on wine labels, in California the producer receives
preeminence on wine labels.
My listing of California Pinot Noir vineyards considered “Elite" is based on twenty years of my reviews from
every notable Pinot Noir vineyard in California. I have provided detailed information on each Elite California
Pinot Noir vineyard. This compilation is meant to serve as a valuable resource for Pinot Noir enthusiasts as well
as a reliable guide for Pinot Noir purchases.
I have chosen the word Elite to signify the finest or the best of their kind. I leave the Grand Cru designation to
the French because their classification is based on primarily geological and climatic conditions while my
classification is based on the quality of wines consistently originating in a special vineyard.
Outline of Elite California Pinot Noir Vineyards:
Part III - Central Coast
Santa Cruz Mountains
Lester Family Vineyard
Mount Eden Estate Vineyard
Rhys Alpine Vineyard
Rhys Horseshoe Vineyard
Windy Oaks Estate Schultze Family Vineyard
Santa Lucia Highlands
Garys’ Vineyard
Morgan Double L Vineyard
Pisoni Estate Vineyard
Tondré Grapefield
Sta. Rita Hills
Other Central Coast appellations
Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley
Calera Jensen Vineyard, Mt. Harlan
Hoffman Mountain Ranch Vineyard, Adelaida Hills
Rosemary’s Vineyard, Arroyo Grande
Solomon Hills Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley
If you stock your wine cellar with Pinot Noirs from these vineyards made by the featured producers, I guarantee
you would have a wine cellar to not only brag about but one that will bring you years of marvelous drinking
pleasure.
