Richard G. Peterson

2016 Richard G. Peterson Pinot Noir

We are pleased to announce the release of our Richard G. Peterson 2016 Pinot Noir! Legendary winemaker, Dick Peterson, handcrafted this true, old-world style pinot from his vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA situated just south of Monterey Bay.

We sat down with Dr. Richard Peterson, 87 years of age and deeply rooted in California's wine history, to discuss the wine you are about to hoard!

Winemaking

Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
It is here that Dick planted his vineyard with a footprint unlike any other. Boasting a cool climate and one of the longest growing seasons in California, the Richard G. Peterson property cultivates two distinct clones - Wrotham and R-4 with a footprint unlike any other. The Richard G. Peterson property combines two distinct clones - 50% Wrotham clone and 50% R-4 clone.

The Wrotham Clone
Discovered near Wrotham Village in southeast England; the cuttings were introduced there by the Romans some 2000 years ago. The Wrotham clone produces a uniquely rich color and a spicy characteristic not often found in other Pinot Noir wines. In 1980, Dick Peterson brought the first and only Wrotham cuttings back to California and planted them on his 10-acre property.

The Wine

The Richard G. Peterson 2016 Pinot Noir is produced in the old-world, elegant Burgundian-style with moderate alcohol content. Our Pinot Noir offers undertones of earthy minerality, with flavors of black currants, cardamom, fresh porcini mushrooms and smoked meats. Approachable now, this Pinot Noir will age beautifully over the next 25 years.

A Conversation with Richard G. Peterson

"About a year ago, Peterson's publisher contacted me and asked if I would write the back flap for Peterson's book, "The Winemaker". I had never met Peterson, but his publisher started sending me chapters to read and I was totally engrossed. I think you will find his story compelling on many levels."
- Antonio Galloni, Vinous, November 2015