Experience the elegance of Rombauer Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands, crafted from premier vineyards in Monterey County's renowned cool-climate AVA for Pinot Noir excellence. This beautifully balanced wine impresses with bold aromas of plum, cherry, cranberry, and subtle lavender, layered over vibrant red fruit flavors, refined earthiness, and warm spice on the palate, all supported by a silky texture, soft tannins, and bright acidity for a long, satisfying finish. Perfect for pairing with dishes like mushroom ravioli or teriyaki grilled shrimp, Rombauer Pinot Noir SLH represents the pure expression of Santa Lucia Highlands terrior and the hallmark quality of the Rombauer name.
Rombauer Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands *Elevate your wine experience with a beautifully balanced Pinot Noir from Monterey County's premier vineyards.*
Process & Profile
Rombauer Pinot Noir SLH is crafted exclusively from
100% Pinot Noir grapes sourced from renowned vineyards in the cool-climate
Santa Lucia Highlands AVA of Monterey County. Each vineyard—such as Garys’, Sierra Mar, Lemoravo, Rosella’s, and Soberanes—contributes exceptional fruit, blended to achieve expressive complexity. The production process involves:
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Hand-harvesting at night to preserve freshness.
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Cold soaking for 6–7 days before fermentation to enhance color and aroma extraction.
- A combination of destemming and whole-cluster fermentation, with fruit optically sorted for purity.
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Basket pressing and gentle racking in barrel, preserving the wine's nuanced character during aging.
This attention to detail creates a
rich, medium-bodied Pinot Noir with signature Santa Lucia Highlands vibrancy.
Tasting Notes
Aromas:
- Lively notes of plum, cherry, and crushed cranberry
- Hints of lavender, spice, and subtle earthiness
Palate:
- Silky, rich texture with soft tannins and bright acidity
- Flavors of red cherry, raspberry, and spice, unfolding with hints of black tea and oak
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Long, layered finish building on the back palate, delivering balance and persistence—a hallmark of the Rombauer style
What Makes It Special
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Distinctive Terroir: Santa Lucia Highlands is celebrated for its cool maritime climate, which promotes slow ripening and intense flavor concentration.
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Blend of Premier Vineyards: Multiple acclaimed sites elevate complexity and depth.
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Expert Craftsmanship: Thorough hand-sorting, tailored vinification, and minimal intervention preserve varietal purity and site expression.
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Critical Acclaim: The release has garnered praise for its elegance and balance, with 92–94 points from leading reviewers, highlighting its standout quality among California Pinot Noirs.
How to Enjoy
Serving:
- Best served slightly chilled (55–60°F) in large Pinot Noir glasses to showcase the vibrant aroma profile.
Pairings:
- Complements dishes like mushroom ravioli and teriyaki grilled shrimp.
- Pairs beautifully with roasted poultry, pork tenderloin, grilled salmon, or earthy vegetarian entrées.
Aging:
- Enjoy now for its freshness, or cellar for up to 4–5 years to allow for further complexity and mellowed tannins.
Occasions:
- Ideal for elegant dinners, holiday gatherings, or gifting to lovers of premium California Pinot Noir.
Experience the craftsmanship and allure of Rombauer Pinot Noir SLH—where vibrant fruit and expert winemaking meet the magic of Monterey’s Santa Lucia Highlands.
Frequently Asked Questions
bold, richly flavored Pinot Noir produced from select vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands (SLH) in Monterey County, California
. It is known for its vibrant red fruit character, silky texture, and exceptional balance. What does the Rombauer Pinot Noir SLH taste like? This wine offers
aromas of raspberry, cranberry, and red cherry
, with supporting notes of light florals. On the palate, you'll experience
intense red fruit flavors with subtle black tea, oak, and a hint of earthiness
, finishing with soft tannins and lively acidity. What vineyards are used for this wine? The SLH Pinot Noir is a
blend from several highly regarded vineyards including Garys’, Sierra Mar, Lemoravo, Rosella’s, Soberanes, and Guidotti
, each contributing to the wine's complexity and quality. How is this Pinot Noir made? Grapes are
handpicked at night
, with most lots destemmed and optically sorted, while some are kept whole cluster. After a
cold soak of six to seven days
, the wine is fermented, basket pressed, and aged in barrel with one racking midway through maturation. What makes the Santa Lucia Highlands special for Pinot Noir? The SLH offers a
cool coastal climate with abundant sunshine and well-drained soils
, producing highly concentrated fruit and allowing for extended ripening and complex flavor development in the wines. What foods pair well with Rombauer Pinot Noir SLH? Ideal pairings include
grilled salmon, mushroom ravioli, roast chicken, and dishes featuring earthy or savory flavors
. Its vibrant acidity and fruit also complement a range of lighter meats and vegetarian meals. Is this wine suitable for cellaring? While approachable upon release,
Rombauer Pinot Noir SLH can benefit from short- to mid-term aging
(up to 5-7 years), which may integrate its flavors further and soften its structure. Is this Pinot Noir a single-vineyard wine? No, it is a
blend of fruit from several premier Santa Lucia Highlands vineyards
, chosen to create a well-balanced and expressive wine. Is this wine vegan? Rombauer does not specifically label this wine as vegan in the provided materials; please
contact the winery directly
for confirmation regarding vegan status. How should I serve and store this wine? Serve at
55–60°F (13–16°C)
for optimal aroma and flavor. Store bottles sideways in a cool, dark place at consistent temperature, ideally
between 55–60°F (13–16°C)
. How can I find or order Rombauer Pinot Noir SLH? Use the
wine locator tool on the Rombauer website
or contact the winery for availability and direct shipping options. Remember, shipments require an adult signature upon delivery.