Product Overview
Winery's Notes:
"With caves tunneling deep into a vine-covered ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains and vineyards so steep they have to be farmed with a unique, specially-designed tractor moved by cables, Clos de la Tech is one of the most ambitious and innovative Pinot Noir producers in California. The winery was established in 1994 and continues to be operated by TJ Rodgers, founder and retired CEO of Cypress Semiconductor, and his wife, Valeta. Some of the highlights at Clos de la Tech include extreme growing conditions, high-altitude terrain, vine-by-vine farming, high-density planting (4,150 vines per acre), low yields, innovative equipment, gravity-flow winery, whole cluster fermentations with native yeast, and no filtration.
We call Cote Sud our “Pinot Noir with a ‘blow away’ bouquet.” Ronn Wiegand: “An excellent Pinot Noir with great aging potential (****+). Very ripe (cherry, cassis, plum jam, red licorice), with supporting toasty, spicy character; youthful, but open and accessible. The palate is fleshy and full bodied, with evident richness. It is quite long on the palate, well balanced, and very persistent in the finish, with moderate tannin. Surprisingly drinkable this early for Cote Sud. Likely to be at its best between 2024 and 2028.”
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Appellation: Santa Cruz Mountains AVA
Aging: 19 months in French oak (Francois Frères), 80% new
Vineyard Designation: Domaine Lois Louise "Côté Sud" block
Production: 10,339 bottles
93 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"The entire lineup of Clos de la Tech wines walks on a different plain than most other Pinot Noir, so consumers should be aware of the unique expressions to expect. This block designate may be most familiar, appearing dark in the glass and rich on the nose with smashed blackberry and dark, exotic spices. The palate is more fruit-driven than others, with tannins, acidity and loamy, squid ink touches to balance the boysenberry, nutmeg and vanilla flavors." -MK, 10/1/2023
