2013 Zotovich “SR/46” Pinot Noir $27.95

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Winery Tasting Notes: “The Estate Pinot Noir came in during the last week of August, earlier than any of the preceding years at Zotovich. We were able to capture the lushness of Pinot Noir while still retaining the brightness of acidity that is a showcase of Zotovich Vineyards.  This wine spent 12 months in barrel before bottling and then saw 12 months of bottle condition prior to its release.  It was aged in 100% French oak barrels, 30% of which were new. The wine is drinking very well now, however, we advise aging it for another 5 years.  A little richer style than some past vintages from the estate.

Color = Garnet

Nose = Strawberry, Raspberry, Toasted Oak.

Palate = Richness, Spice, Ripe Red Berry Fruit.”

Blend: 100% Pinot Noir
Alcohol Level: 13.6%
Cases Produced: 625
Winemaker Name: Dan Schuler-Jones
Maturity: Drink Now – 2022

Pairings:  Game Meats and heavier dishes.  Perfect w/ Osso Buco.  Hard Cheeses including Cheddar & Pecorino

Staff Review:  DREW MOFFAT –  This is a “ding-ding” wine (especially for the price) if you are a fan of big, huge, ginormous Pinot Noir!  I have always been a fan of Zotovich, a family-owned winery located in the Santa Rita Hills that not only produces their own wine but is currently selling (or has sold) grapes to the following wineries; Brewer-Clifton, Devolet, Paul Lato, Palmina and Tyler winery.  Believe me folks, this is a “who’s who” list when it comes to So Cal wine producers and a definite kudos to Steve Zotovich and his team.

They keep it simple!  Zotovich only grows and produces their own estate grapes; Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay, Rose and Viognier.  They keep it local!  Winemaker Dan Schuler-Jones who has been with the winery since 2012 as Assistant Winemaker before being promoted to Head Winemaker last year!  Schuler-Jones, a graduate of CalPoly, began his illustrious wine career as a cellar rat for famed So Cal wineries Fiddlehead Cellars and Beckman.  His experience there along with a harvest in Australia (2012) have helped hone his skills to what we now enjoy when opening a bottle of Zotovich.

Buckle up when you pop the cork on this baby because as stated earlier…it’s got everything you would come to expect from a wine 2x the price.  You don’t have to go much further than the list of wineries purchasing their grapes to understand how great the caliber of juice is in this bottle.

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