From Muns Vineyard comes a spectacular example of Santa Cruz Mountains terroir.
Muns’ 2009 Estate Pinot Noir is everything you could want in a brilliantly balanced wine. From the nose of white pepper, roses, and licorice, straight into an expanding heart of tangerine, bay leaves and a long, slow finish ot black cherries, this is a gorgeous pinot noir. Its luscious 100% pinot noir grape composition has been coaxed into elegant nuance by aging in Hungarian oak, and at a highly desireable 14.1% alcohol it is light enough to partner almost anything, yet won’t get in the way of simply kicking back and enjoying.
This could be one of the top five pinot noirs I’ve ever tasted, and one that justifies our pride in what the SCMtn appellation can produce. Stop by VinoCruz and buy what remains after my recent purchase (I emptied out my piggy bank). At $40 this memorable Muns creation rivals many Burgundies at triple the price.
I have to say that the Tondre Grapefield; I love that old man Tondre calls the plot just what it is regarding Salinias agriculture, a grape field like Lettuce or broccoli, is one of California’s greatest Pinot noir plantings. No pretentious stuff about clones, minerals or barrels; just good grapes planeted where it counts. There are a number of wineries who buy fruit from this great vineyard and all of them make wonderful Pinot noir and they should too be recognized: Joyce, Sonnet, Silver Mountain, Morgan, Bargetto, Tudor’,Savannah-Chanelle, Cinnabar. Wrath, LaRochelle and Alturas. I guess numbers of wineries buying fruit from Tondre speak loudly regarding quality.
I’m confused…..the reviewer is describing the terroir of the SC Mtns. appellation as it applies to this 2009 Muns pinot, while the commenter is lauding a vineyard in Monterey county. What gives?
Dear M. Edmunds – apparently my praise for the Muns pinot jump started Mr. Marsh’s remarks about the fabled Tondre Grapefield. It is entirely possible that the Muns estate IS the Tondre Grapefield, but I promise to call upon a viticulturist for confirmation one way or the other.
Thanks for the feedback!
Christina
Well, your praise may have jumpstarted the commenters remarks but I’m guessing a wee bit o’ the grape informs the ramble. I’m sure the owners of Muns wish their estate included the Tondre holdings, alas, not so.
But enough of Monterey, your review was lauding what the SC Mt. appellation can produce regards pinot noir….and with Mr. Craig’s fine hand on the helm, there is indeed some beauty to behold.
In Vino Veritas (except, of course, when there isn’t)