Richard G. Peterson
2013 Richard G. Peterson Pinot Noir
We are pleased to offer you the inaugural release of our Richard G. Peterson 2013 Pinot Noir. Produced by the iconic Dick Peterson, this wine is sourced from our vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA.
Winemaking
Situated just south of Monterey Bay, the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA boasts a cool climate and one of the longest growing seasons in California. It is here that Dick planted his vineyard with a footprint unlike any other. The Richard G. Peterson property combines two distinct clones - 50% Wrotham clone and 50% R-4 clone.
As history and legend purport, the Wrotham clone was 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 character 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. "I wanted to do something that was good, genuine and serious...but not a copy of what everybody else was doing."
The Wine
The Richard G. Peterson 2013 Pinot Noir was harvested at 24.50 brix on September 10, 2013, fermented by Lavin D 254 natural yeast with maloactic secondary fermentation, and aged for 14 months in French Burgundy oak barrels. It is elegant in its Burgundian style, but offers an energetic profile on the palate with its unique array of flavors and aromas.
Usual Flavor profiles of California Pinot Noir: Cherry, overbaked fruit, spice box, etc.
Flavor profiles of Richard G. Peterson Pinot Noir: Black currants, cardamom, sautéed porcini mushrooms, Asian plum sauce (think Peking Duck), smoked game meats, sweet kirsch with an underlying foresty character.
This Pinot Noir will drink beautifully on release and will continue to age gracefully over the next 25 years -- although Dick says it probably won’t last that long in his home!
We are confident that you will love this wine -- and you will appreciate the continued legacy of Dick Peterson. We produced 385 cases of Richard G. Peterson 2013 Pinot Noir.
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