Richard G. Peterson

2018 Richard G. Peterson Pinot Noir

We are thrilled to announce the release of our Richard G. Peterson 2018 Pinot Noir! The Richard G. Peterson 2018 Pinot Noir is produced in an elegant Burgundian style with moderate alcohol content from Dick Peterson’s vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, situated just southeast of Monterey Bay. It is composed of 50% R-4 and 50% Wrotham clone. Dick discovered the latter clone decades ago in the Wrotham village in England and transported it to California. The iconic Dick Peterson is the only person in the U.S. to produce this combination of clones, making his Pinot Noir truly one-of-a-kind.

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

This vintage is becoming my favorite. Its delicate aroma seems to fill the room as soon as the cork is pulled from the bottle. The elegant taste is reminiscent of ripe cherries, with a touch of spice that literally makes great food come to life in your mouth. Perfectly balanced, the flavor combines the character of aging in lightly toasted French oak barrels with the nobility of its great Burgundy grape variety!

Only 525 cases of this extraordinary Pinot Noir were producted.

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