Le Moulin Rouge®
Pinot Noir
From the Pisoni Vineyards in Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County
Overview
'Le Moulin Rouge’ provides a showy contrast to the Seaview Estate Pinot Noirs. This Pinot Noir is sourced from the acclaimed Pisoni Vineyard, nestled on the east-facing, gentle slopes of the Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County. The wine delivers lush flavors and a signature soft, silky texture, delicate yet complex—all derived from the vineyard’s coastal soil and climate. The clone, originally selected from Burgundy’s Grand Cru, produces naturally small clusters and berries, fashioning a wine with opulent perfume and distinct varietal expression. The profile of the fruit is retained with gentle, manual punch-downs while the barrel-aging regimen contributes to the wine’s integrated tannins.'
Pronunciation
(le moo-lon roozj) French for “the red mill”
Current Vintage
Vintage Notes
Less than seven inches of rain fell over the winter of 2022 in the Santa Lucia Highlands, which is below normal. The drier soils and a very windy early spring resulted in budbreak starting nearly two weeks early which set the stage for an earlier-than-normal bloom, fruit set, and harvest. The 2022 growing season was slightly warmer than usual and harvest took place on September 3rd, nearly three weeks earlier than the cooler 2021 harvest.
Winegrowing Notes
The Pinot Noir for Le Moulin Rouge is grown on the gentle slopes of the Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County. The vineyard’s coastal soil and climate add a dense, yet delicate, richness to the wine’s complexity. The clone, originally selected from Burgundy’s Grand Cru, produces naturally small clusters and berries, fashioning a wine with opulent perfume and distinct varietal expression. The profile of the fruit is retained with gentle, manual punch-downs while the barrel-aging regimen contributes to the wine’s gorgeous, silky tannins.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The medium-ruby 2022 'Le Moulin Rouge' displays an expressive nose of black cherry, violets, rose petals, and wild blackberries with hints of baking spices and dark chocolate. The soft, supple entry is followed by an intense, textured mid-palate with exceptional body and a mouth-watering finish. This harmonious, balanced Le Moulin Rouge is dense with a plush mouthfeel and great complexity and length.
Hand Harvested
September 3
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 8, 2024
Appellation(s)
Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. Sixteen months in 50% new French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
April 1, 2024
Alcohol
14.6%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Past Vintages
Vintage Notes
The Pinot Noir for Le Moulin Rouge is grown on the gentle slopes of the Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County. The vineyard’s coastal soil and climate add a dense, yet delicate, richness to the wine’s complexity. The clone, originally selected from Burgundy’s Grand Cru, produces naturally small clusters and berries, fashioning a wine with opulent perfume and distinct varietal expression. The profile of the fruit is retained with gentle, manual punch-downs while the barrel-aging regimen contributes to the wine’s gorgeous, silky tannins.
Winegrowing Notes
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The 2021 ‘Le Moulin Rouge’ leads with bright cherry, fresh strawberry, and black raspberry notes supported by subtle clove, vanilla bean, and dark chocolate flourishes. The silky, smooth texture embraces a palette of red and black fruit flavors which continue through the plush, generous finish. This Le Moulin Rouge is approachable in its youth but can reward cellaring for a decade.
Hand Harvested
September 23
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 10, 2023
Appellation(s)
Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. Sixteen months in 50% new French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
April 1, 2023
Alcohol
15.1%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Vintage Notes
The 2019 growing season began with a decent amount of rainfall in Monterey County, with over seven inches in the months of December and February. Spring was cool and foggy. The vines had a solid canopy without excess of vigor, requiring minimal canopy management. The delayed bloom led to even veraison, and the harvest occurred late. The multiple passes of fruit thinning along with a long Indian summer contributed to a pure, classic, and fragrant interpretation of the Le Moulin Rouge terroir. The ripening stage of the Pinot Noir was subject to near perfect sunny days and cool nights, which continued through harvest. With no major heat fluctuations, the fruit was able to gradually mature, leading to a later-than-normal harvest. The vintage produced a balanced, indulgent expression of the vineyard.
Winegrowing Notes
The Pinot Noir for Le Moulin Rouge is grown on the gentle slopes of the Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County. The vineyard’s coastal soil and climate add a dense, yet delicate, richness to the wine’s complexity. The clone, originally selected from Burgundy’s Grand Cru, produces naturally small clusters and berries, fashioning a wine with opulent perfume and distinct varietal expression. The profile of the fruit is retained with gentle, manual punch-downs while the barrel-aging regimen contributes to the wine’s gorgeous, silky tannins.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Lifted aromas of wild strawberry and raspberry interlace with baking-spice notes of clove, vanilla, and dark molasses. An opulent, plush entry on the palate delivers bountiful flavors of black tea and cherry with a layer of plum sauce and an earthy hint of pencil graphite. Comparable to a premier cru, Le Moulin Rouge provides decadence balanced by silky tannins and energizing acidity. This stunning wine drinks well young, yet will age for a decade.
Hand Harvested
September 24–September 25
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 10, 2021
Appellation(s)
Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. Sixteen months in 50% new French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
April 1, 2021
Alcohol
15.1%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Vintage Notes
The 2018 growing season began with abundant rainfall. Spring weather was dry, but cool. Blooming, while somewhat delayed, took place under ideal sunny warm conditions, resulting in an excellent fruit set. The vines required only minimal canopy management and fruit thinning to achieve optimal balance, with yields slightly above average. No leaves were removed to retain protective shade cover over the fruit. The ripening season was dominated by near perfect sunny days and cool nights which continues through to harvest. With no heat spikes, the fruit reached maturity gradually, leading to a later than normal harvest. The vintage produced a balanced, hedonistic expression of the vineyard.
Winegrowing Notes
The Pinot Noir for our Le Moulin Rouge is grown on the slopes of the Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County. The vineyard’s coastal soil and climate add a dense, yet delicate, richness to the wine’s complexity. The clone, originally selected from Burgundy’s Grand Cru, is showcased in a concentrated perfume and distinct varietal expression. The vintage’s very small clusters and berries have produced a concentrated and intense wine. Along with fully ripe fruit, manual punch downs and barrel aging have contributed to the wine’s gorgeous, silky tannins.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
On the nose, the 2018 Le Moulin Rouge is packed with intense aromas of plum, wild strawberry, red cherry, violet, followed with hints of black tea. Opening further, the bouquet reveals additional aromas of blackberry, plum, and graphite with sage and iris in the background. Intense in the mouth, the wine blends richness and delicacy as the flavors stretch to a long, earthy and fruit-filled finish. This beautiful wine drinks well young yet will age for a decade.
Hand Harvested
September 18
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 10, 2020
Appellation(s)
Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. Sixteen months in 50% new French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
April 1, 2020
Alcohol
14.4%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Vintage Notes
The 2017 growing season began with abundant rainfall, ending California’s long drought. Spring weather was dry, but cool, resulting in an extended blooming period. The vines were vigorous thanks to the winter rains, but required only minimal canopy management and fruit thinning to achieve optimal balance, with higher than average yields. No lower leaves were removed to retain protective shade cover over the fruit. Warmer than normal conditions after veraison accelerated ripening, leading to an early harvest. The vintage produced a ripe, forward Le Moulin Rouge that will show well young, but possesses the structure to age.
Winegrowing Notes
The Pinot Noir for our Le Moulin Rouge is grown on the slopes of the Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County. The vineyard’s coastal soil and climate add a dense, yet delicate, richness to the wine’s complexity. The clone, originally selected from Burgundy’s Grand Cru, is showcased in a concentrated perfume and distinct varietal expression. The vintage’s very small clusters and berries have produced a concentrated and intense wine. Along with fully ripe fruit, manual punch downs and barrel aging have contributed to the wine’s gorgeous, silky tannins.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The 2017 Le Moulin Rouge greets the eye with a deep ruby hue and bright highlights. On the nose, the wine leads with intense aromas of wild strawberry, plum, violet and red cherry, followed with hints of black tea. Opening further, the nose reveals additional layers of graphite and a seductive freshness. Intense in the mouth, the wine blends richness and delicacy as the flavors stretch to a long, earthy and fruit-filled finish. This beautiful wine drinks well young yet will age for a decade.
Hand Harvested
September 6 - 7, 2017
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 11, 2019
Appellation(s)
Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. Sixteen months in 50% new French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
April 1, 2019
Alcohol
14.3%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Vintage Notes
The near perfect 2016 growing season started with a warm February and early bud break. While California’s drought continued, rains were sufficient to meet the vineyard’s needs. Favorable conditions at blooming resulted in a generous set of well-formed clusters. After veraison, a single pass of thinning brought the crop into optimal balance. Overall, the vintage gave us ideal ripening conditions, maintaining excellent balance between sugar, acidity and the tannin development. Moderate temperatures at harvest allowed picking at the peak of flavor development. The vintage produced a classically styled Le Moulin Rouge with great intensity and uncommon ageability.
Winegrowing Notes
The Pinot Noir for our Le Moulin Rouge is grown on the slopes of the Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County. The vineyard’s coastal soil and climate add a dense, yet delicate, richness to the wine’s complexity. The clone, originally selected from Burgundy’s Grand Cru, is showcased in a concentrated perfume and distinct varietal expression. The vintage’s very small clusters and berries have produced a concentrated and intense wine. Along with fully ripe fruit, manual punch downs and barrel aging have contributed to the wine’s gorgeous, silky tannins.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
On the nose, the 2016 Le Moulin Rouge is packed with intense aromas of wild strawberry, plum, violet and red cherry, followed with hints of black tea. Opening further, the bouquet reveals additional aromas of plum, blackberry and graphite with sage and iris in the background. Intense in the mouth, the wine blends richness and delicacy as the flavors stretch to a long, earthy and fruit-filled finish. This beautiful wine drinks well young yet will age for a decade.
Hand Harvested
September 13
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 13, 2018
Appellation(s)
Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. Sixteen months in 50% new French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
April 1, 2018
Alcohol
14.3%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Vintage Notes
The winter was dry with only 75% of normal rainfall, continuing four years of drought. Unseasonably warm temperatures accelerated bud break by three weeks. While May brought welcomed rain, the cool moist conditions extended the blooming period and led to an uneven fruit set. Hand thinning to ensure even maturation reduced the yields to 1.7 tons per acre. Steady warm temperatures dominated the remainder of the growing season providing ideal ripening conditions and the earliest harvest on record for this growing region. In the fermenter, the fruit showed flavors of concentrated cherries and delicate red strawberries with ripe tannin development.
Winegrowing Notes
The Pinot Noir for our Le Moulin Rouge is grown on the slopes of the Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County. The vineyard’s coastal soil and climate add a dense, yet delicate, richness to the wine’s complexity. The clone, originally selected from Burgundy’s Grand Cru, is showcased in a concentrated perfume and distinct varietal expression. The vintage’s very small clusters and berries have produced a concentrated and intense wine. Along with fully ripe fruit, manual punch downs and barrel aging have contributed to the wine’s gorgeous, silky tannins.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Leading with intense aromas of wild strawberry, violet and red cherry, the 2015 Le Moulin Rouge follows with hints of Earl Grey tea and pomegranate. Opening further, the nose reveals additional layers of plum and graphite with clove and cinnamon in the background. Intense in the mouth, the wine blends richness and delicacy as the flavors stretch to a long earthy and fruit-filled finish. This beautiful wine drinks well young yet will age for a decade.
Hand Harvested
August 22 - 23, 2015
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
May 15, 2017
Appellation(s)
Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. Sixteen months in 50% new French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2017
Alcohol
14.0%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Vintage Notes
Winter was dry with 70% of normal rainfall, continuing three years of drought. Unseasonably warm temperatures in early spring accelerated bud break by four weeks. The growing season benefited from moderate temperatures, resulting in a very even fruit set. However, early use of drip irrigation was critical for the health of the vines. Early hand thinning balanced the crop load. Ideal Indian summer conditions allowed us to calmly harvest each block as it achieved optimal ripeness. The vintage yielded wine of exceptional richness and concentration.
Winegrowing Notes
The Pinot Noir for our Le Moulin Rouge is grown on the slopes of the Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County. The vineyard’s coastal soil and climate contribute a dense, yet delicate richness, and add to the wine’s complexity. The clone, originally selected from Burgundy’s Grand Cru, is showcased in a concentrated perfume and distinct varietal expression. The vintage’s very small clusters and berries have produced a concentrated and intense wine. Along with fully ripe fruit, manual punch downs and barrel aging have contributed to the wine’s gorgeous, silky tannins.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
On the nose, the 2014 Le Moulin Rouge is packed with intense aromas of wild strawberry, plum, violet and red cherry, followed with hints of Earl Grey tea. Opening further, the bouquet reveals additional aromas of wild strawberry, red cherry, plum, graphite with clove and cinnamon in the background. Intense in the mouth, the wine blends richness and delicacy as the flavors stretch to a long, earthy and fruit-filled finish. This beautiful wine drinks well young yet will age for a decade.
Hand Harvested
August 28
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 2, 2016
Appellation(s)
Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. Sixteen months in 50% new French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
April 1, 2016
Alcohol
14.4%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Vintage Notes
With a near perfect growing season, our 2013 Pisoni Vineyard Pinot Noir exhibits finesse and strong expression of terroir. The summer was long and warm allowing for steady ripening patterns. No rain or frost paired with little fog and clear, warm days resulted in balanced fruit development. With such a long, warm and mild growing season, acid levels remained low and tannins balanced and focused. We look forward to the overall expression the 2013 has to offer with its superb quality
Winegrowing Notes
The Pinot Noir for our Le Moulin Rouge is grown on the slopes of the Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County. The vineyard’s coastal soil and climate contribute a dense, yet delicate richness, and add to the wine’s complexity. The clone, originally selected from one of Burgundy’s Grand Crus, is showcased in a concentrated perfume and distinct varietal expression. The vintage’s very small clusters and berries have produced a concentrated and intense wine. Fully ripe fruit, manual punch downs and barrel aging have contributed to the wine’s gorgeous, silky tannins.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Leading with intense aromas of wild strawberry, plum, violet and red cherry, the 2013 Le Moulin Rouge follows with hints of Earl Grey tea. Opening further, the bouquet reveals additional aromas such as plum, elderberry, graphite with clove and cinnamon in the background. Intense in the mouth, the wine blends richness and delicacy as the flavors stretch to a long earthy and fruit-filled finish. This beautiful wine drinks well young yet will age for a decade.
Hand Harvested
August 31 – September 1, 2013
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 11, 2015
Appellation(s)
Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. Sixteen months in 50% new French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
April 1, 2015
Alcohol
14.8%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Vintage Notes
With a near perfect growing season, our 2012 Pisoni Vineyard Pinot Noir exhibits finesse and strong expression of terroir. The summer was long and warm allowing for steady ripening patterns. No rain and no frost paired with little fog and several clear, warm days resulted in balanced fruit development. With such a long, warm and mild growing season, acid levels remained low and tannins balanced and focused. We look forward to the overall expression the 2012 has to offer with its superb quality.
Winegrowing Notes
The Pinot Noir for our Le Moulin Rouge is grown on the slopes of the Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County. The vineyard’s coastal soil and climate contribute a dense, yet delicate richness, and add to the wine’s complexity. The clone, originally selected from Burgundy’s Grand Cru, is showcased in a concentrated perfume and distinct varietal expression. The vintage’s very small clusters and berries have produced a concentrated and intense wine. Along with fully ripe fruit, manual punch downs and barrel aging have contributed to the wine’s gorgeous, silky tannins.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Leading with intense aromas of wild strawberry, plum, violet and red cherry, the 2012 Le Moulin Rouge follows with hints of Earl Grey tea. Opening further, the bouquet reveals additional aromas such as strawberry, Grillottes cherry, graphite with clove and cinnamon in the background. Intense in the mouth, the wine blends richness and delicacy as the flavors stretch to a long earthy and fruit-filled finish. This beautiful wine drinks well young yet will age for a decade.
Hand Harvested
September 20, 2012
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 1, 2014
Appellation(s)
Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. Sixteen months in 50% new French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
April 1, 2014
Alcohol
14.6%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Vintage Notes
The 2011 growing season started with a cool wet spring. While the Pisoni vineyard did not experience any frost, the temperatures delayed bud break. Difficult weather during blooming and fruit set reduced the size of the crop. The temperatures remained cooler than normal throughout the growing season thus delaying the harvest. This afforded additional hang time and the fruit benefitted, displaying full flavor development and gorgeous color. The resulting 2011 wine exhibits a lighter, more gentle profile than typical for this vineyard. We are extremely pleased with the balance and finesse this cool growing season provided.
Winegrowing Notes
The Pinot Noir for our Le Moulin Rouge is grown on the slopes of the Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County. The vineyard’s coastal soil and climate contribute a dense, yet delicate richness, and add to the wine’s complexity. The clone, originally selected from Burgundy’s Grand Cru, is showcased in a concentrated perfume and distinct varietal expression. The vintage’s very small clusters and berries have produced a concentrated and intense wine. Along with fully ripe fruit, manual punch downs and barrel aging have contributed to the wine’s gorgeous, silky tannins.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
On the nose, the 2011 Le Moulin Rouge is packed with intense aromas of raspberry and red cherry, backed by notes of Earl Grey tea. As the wine develops it unveils a concentrated bouquet of strawberries and Grillottes cherries with hints of clove and cinnamon. A full, rich mouthfeel exhibits a wine with breadth, depth and elegance with a layered finish. The 2011 Le Moulin Rouge will age gracefully for a decade.
Hand Harvested
September 15
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 1, 2013
Appellation(s)
Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. Sixteen months in 50% new French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2013
Alcohol
14.7%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Vintage Notes
The 2010 Santa Lucia Highlands vintage shows dedication and patience. It started off with record cold temperatures in the spring and early summer months giving way to a warm, dry fall. Throughout the ripening process, the temperatures remained mild with few heat spikes in August and September. The small bunches and berry sizes made for a focused crop and intense flavor development. A long hang-time, because of a later than normal harvest, allowed the grapes to achieve flavor maturity before sugar levels began to rise. Even with the small size of the crop, harvesting was accomplished with numerous passes through the vineyard to determine which rows were ready to harvest.
Winegrowing Notes
The Pinot Noir for our Le Moulin Rouge is grown on the slopes of the Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County. The vineyard’s coastal soil and climate contribute a dense, yet delicate richness, and add to the wine’s complexity. The clone, originally selected from Burgundy’s Grand Cru, is showcased in a concentrated perfume and distinct varietal expression. The vintage’s very small clusters and berries have produced a concentrated and intense wine. Along with fully ripe fruit, manual punch downs and barrel aging have contributed to the wine’s gorgeous, silky tannins.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Leading with intense aromas of blackberry, the 2010 Le Moulin Rouge follows with hints of Earl Grey tea. Opening further, the bouquet reveals additional aromas of strawberry, Griotte cherry with clove and cinnamon in the background. Intense in the mouth, the wine blends richness and delicacy as the flavors stretch to a long fruit-filled finish. This beautiful wine drinks well young yet will age for a decade.
Hand Harvested
September 23-24, 2010
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 1, 2012
Appellation(s)
Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. Sixteen months in 50% new French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2012
Alcohol
15.5%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Vintage Notes
In 2009 the Santa Lucia Highlands were dry for the third consecutive year. Throughout ripening of this vintage, we had cool temperatures and only one heat spike, which provided flavor development and leveled out the overall ripeness of the grapes. Sugar levels were low, while acidity and high tannin created balance and focus. Even though the crop was naturally small, we did one manicure thinning to balance each vine. The weather remained ideal until the very end of harvest and the fruit showed flavors of delicate red forest fruits with ripe tannin development. The harvest yields were limited but mature, with great density.
Winegrowing Notes
The Pinot Noir for our Le Moulin Rouge is grown on the slopes of the Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County. The vineyard’s coastal soil and climate contribute a dense, yet delicate richness, and add to the wine’s complexity. The clone, originally selected from Burgundy’s Grand Cru, is showcased in a concentrated perfume and distinct varietal expression. The vintage’s very small clusters and berries have produced a concentrated and intense wine. Along with fully ripe fruit, manual punch downs and barrel aging have contributed to the wine’s gorgeous, silky tannins.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
On the nose, the 2009 Le Moulin Rouge is packed with intense aromas of raspberry and red cherry, backed by notes of Earl Grey tea. Opening further, the concentrated bouquet reveals hints of strawberries and Grillottes cherries with cloves and cinnamon in the background. Full in the mouth, the wine exhibits breadth and depth, as the flavors stretch to a layered finish. Already showing well, this wine will age for a decade.
Hand Harvested
September 6-7, 2009
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 1, 2011
Appellation(s)
Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. 17 months in 50% new French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2011
Alcohol
15.6%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Vintage Notes
As in the previous vintages in the Santa Lucia Highlands, the spring was dry and windy. Bud break occurred earlier than expected, though the blooming period of the Pinot Noir led to some severe shattering. During the ripening process, we saw a huge amount of sun with some hot temperatures, but no aggressive heat spikes. Even though the crop level was naturally low, we did one manicure thinning to balance each vine. The weather remained ideal until the very end of harvest and the fruit showed flavors of delicate red forest fruits with ripe tannin development. The harvest occurred earlier than usual on September 3rd. The clusters were very compact with tiny sized berries.
Winegrowing Notes
The Pinot Noir for our Le Moulin Rouge is grown on the slopes of the Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County. The vineyard’s coastal soil and climate contribute a dense, yet delicate richness, and add to the wine’s complexity. The clone, originally selected from Burgundy’s Grand Cru, is showcased in a concentrated perfume and distinct varietal expression. The vintage’s very small clusters and berries have produced a concentrated and intense wine. Along with fully ripe fruit, manual punch downs and barrel aging have contributed to the wine’s gorgeous, silky tannins.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Leading with intense aromas of raspberry, plum and red cherry, the 2008 Le Moulin Rouge follows with hints of Earl Grey tea. Opening further, the bouquet reveals additional aromas such as strawberry, Grillottes cherry with clove and cinnamon in the background. Intense in the mouth, the wine blends richness and delicacy as the flavors stretch to a long fruit-filled finish. This beautiful wine drinks well young yet will age for a decade.
Hand Harvested
September 3 - 4, 2008
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 5, 2010
Appellation(s)
Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast in 50% new French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2010
Alcohol
15.5%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Vintage Notes
The spring was very dry and breezy in the Santa Lucia Highlands. Bud break occurred a bit early and hinted at a low harvest. Two windy periods damaged some shoots. The blooming period extended through June with a lot of shatter and shot berries, which reduced the crop to a very low level. During the ripening process we saw plentiful sun with some hot temperatures, but no heat spikes. The weather was ideal for fruit development from July through harvest, with perfect warm days and cool nights. This contrast of day and night temperatures was ideal for biosynthesis of the aroma and phenolic compounds. The grapes showed great flavors of delicate forest fruits with ripe tannin development.
Winegrowing Notes
The Pinot for our Le Moulin Rouge is grown on the slopes of the Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County. The vineyard’s coastal soil and climate contribute a dense, yet delicate richness, and add to the wine’s complexity. The clone, originally selected from Burgundy’s Grand Cru, is showcased in a concentrated perfume and distinct varietal expression. The vintage’s very small clusters and berries have produced a concentrated and intense wine. Along with fully ripe fruit, manual punch downs and barrel ageing have added to the wine’s gorgeous, silky tannins.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
On the nose, the 2007 Le Moulin Rouge is packed with intense aromas of raspberry and red cherry, backed by notes of Earl Grey tea. Opening further, the concentrated bouquet reveals hints of strawberry and Grillottes cherries with cloves and cinnamon in the background. Full in the mouth, the wine exhibits breadth and depth, as the flavors stretch to a layered finish. Already showing well, this wine will age for a decade.
Hand Harvested
September 5 - 6, 2007
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 3, 2009
Appellation(s)
Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast in 50% new French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2009
Alcohol
15.5%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Vintage Notes
In the Santa Lucia Highlands the spring was dry and breezy. Bud break hinted at an unexpected generous harvest. The blooming period extended through June with some shatter which reduced the crop to more typical levels. During the ripening process we saw plentiful sun with some hot temperatures, but no aggressive heat spikes. Judicious thinning reduced the crop to insure maximum quality. The weather remained ideal until the very end of harvest, and the fruit showed great flavors of delicate forest fruits with ripe tannin development. We were able to pick calmly at the peak of ripeness.
Winegrowing Notes
The Pinot Noir for our Le Moulin Rouge is grown on the slopes of the Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County. The vineyard’s coastal soil and climate contribute a dense yet delicate richness, and add to the wine’s complexity. The clone, originating from Burgundy’s Vosne-Romanée, is expressed in a concentrated perfume and distinct varietal expression. The vintage’s small clusters and berries have allowed for a wine of concentration and intensity. Along with fully ripe fruit, manual punch downs and barrel ageing have added to the wine’s gorgeous, silky tannins.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Leading with intense aromas of raspberry and red cherry, the 2006 Le Moulin Rouge follows with hints of Earl Grey tea and graphite. Opening further, the bouquet reveals additional aromas such as white strawberries, raspberries, Grillottes cherries with cloves and cinnamon in background. Intense in the mouth, the wine blends richness and delicacy as the flavors stretch to a long fruit-filled finish. This beautiful wine drinks well young yet will age for a decade.
Hand Harvested
September 22 - 24, 2006
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 7, 2008
Appellation(s)
Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast in 50% new French oak barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2008
Alcohol
14.6%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Vintage Notes
As in the previous vintages in Santa Lucia Highlands, the spring was dry and windy. The bud break showed an unexpected generous harvest. Though June, the blooming period of the Pinot Noir led to some shattering. Then during the ripening process we saw a huge amount of sun with some hot temperatures, but no aggressive heat spikes. The crop was adjusted to a high quality level by thinning. The weather remained ideal until the very end of harvest, and the fruit showed great flavors of delicate forest fruits with ripe tannin development. We were able to pick calmly at the peak of ripeness.
Winegrowing Notes
The Pinot Noir for our Le Moulin Rouge is grown on the slopes of the Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County. The vineyard’s coastal soil and climate contribute a dense yet delicate richness and add to the wine’s complexity. The clone, originating from Burgundy’s Vosne-Romanée, is expressed in the wine’s concentrated perfume and distinct varietal expression. The vintage’s small clusters and berries have allowed for a wine of concentration and intensity. Along with fully ripe fruit, manual punch downs and barrel ageing have added to the wine’s gorgeous, silky tannins.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The 2005 Le Moulin Rouge leads with intense aromas of raspberry and red cherry completed by hints of Earl Grey tea and graphite. Opening further, the bouquet reveals additional aromas such as toasted wild strawberries, raspberries, Grillottes cherries with cloves and cinnamon in background. In the mouth the wine is intensely flavored, blending richness and delicacy as the flavors stretch to a long fruit-filled finish. The 2005 Le Moulin Rouge drinks well young yet will age for a decade.
Hand Harvested
September 22, 2005
Bottled Unfined and Unfiltered
February 5, 2007
Appellation(s)
Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. Aged for 14 months in barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
September 3, 2007
Alcohol
15.1%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Vintage Notes
The 2004 growing season began with classic dry spring weather for Santa Lucia Highlands area. It was characterized by an early bud break for the Pinot Noir. Subsequent heat spikes resulted in an early bloom. The berry set occurred very evenly and quickly. Following a hot, dry summer, which accelerated the process of ripening and forced us to be very precise with our winegrowing decisions. The harvest took place two weeks earlier than normal, yielding tiny, rich, concentrated berries.
Winegrowing Notes
The Pinot Noir for our Le Moulin Rouge is grown on the slopes of the Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County. The vineyard’s coastal soil and climate contribute a dense yet delicate richness and add to the wine’s complexity. The clone, originating from Burgundy’s Vosne-Romanée, is expressed in the wine’s concentrated perfume and distinct varietal expression. The vintage’s small clusters and berries have allowed for a wine of concentration and intensity. Along with fully ripe fruit, manual punch downs and barrel ageing have added to the wine’s gorgeous, silky tannins.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Intense aromas of raspberry and red cherry completed by hints of Earl Grey tea and graphite. Then, the bouquet opens up to additional aromas such as toasted wild strawberries, grillottes cherries and pencil lead. Rich yet delicate, the mouthfeel is round, soft and intense leading to a very long and fruit filled finish. The 2004 Le Moulin Rouge drinks well young yet will age for a decade.
Hand Harvested
September 1-9, 2004
Bottled
February 7, 2006
Appellation(s)
Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. Aged for 14 months in barrels from select artisan coopers
Release Date
September 1, 2006
Alcohol
15.3%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Vintage Notes
The 2003 growing season began with excellent spring weather and a strong berry set. Summer continued with warm (never hot) weather marked by foggy mornings and long sunny afternoons. Ripening occurred gently and surely. It was a generous crop of small clusters and tiny berries.
Winegrowing Notes
The source of Pinot Noir for our Le Moulin Rouge is the Pisoni Vineyard on the slopes of the Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County. The vineyard’s coastal soil and climate contribute a dense yet delicate richness and add to the wine’s complexity. The clone, originating from Burgundy’s Vosne-Romanée, is expressed in the wine’s concentrated perfume and distinct varietal expression. For the 2003, Gary Pisoni agreed to give us a small portion of fruit from their “own rooted block.” The vintage’s small clusters and berries have allowed for a wine of concentration and intensity. Along with fully ripe fruit, manual punchdowns and barrel ageing have added to the wine gorgeous, silky tannins.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
First, intense aromas of raspberry and red cherry completed by hints of Earl Grey tea and graphite. Then, the bouquet opens up to additional aromas such as wild strawberries, violet and forest floor and a touch of cedar. Rich yet delicate, the mouthfeel is round, soft and intense, which leads to a very long and fruity finish. The 2003 Le Moulin Rouge drinks well young yet will age for a decade.
Hand Harvested
September 17, 2003
Bottled
Januray 30, 2005
Appellation(s)
Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County
Vinification
100% naturally fermented using native yeast. Barrel aged sur lies 11 months with weekly bâtonnage and aged in 50% new French oak barrels
Release Date
September 1, 2005
Alcohol
15.0%
Blend
100% Pinot Noir
Vineyard
Pisoni Vineyard
Undulating east-facing slopes with a cool maritime influence, specific vineyard blocks farmed to our specifications.
Appellation
Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County
Soil
Decomposed granite
Elevation
1,300 feet
Variety
Pinot Noir
Planted
1991
Exposure
East–Northeast