Krutz 'Soberanes Vineyard' Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir 2022

Winemaking

Krutz is a boutique producer focused on expressing the distinctive character of Santa Lucia Highlands fruit through restrained, site-driven winemaking. The philosophy centers on allowing the vineyard's natural qualities to shine rather than imposing heavy-handed extraction or oak treatment.

Tasting Notes

Elegant red cherry and strawberry aromatics greet you on the nose, with a whisper of oak framing the fruit without dominating it. On the palate, this is a refined Pinot Noir with silky tannins and bright acidity that carries flavors of red berries and cranberry, complemented by earthy mineral notes that speak to the vineyard's terroir. The finish is clean and persistent, leaving a delicate mineral impression that lingers without heaviness.

Producer

Krutz operates as a focused, quality-driven estate within Santa Lucia Highlands, working with exceptional vineyard sites to produce small-volume expressions of Pinot Noir. The winery prioritizes vineyard selection and minimal intervention in the cellar, allowing each vintage and block to communicate its distinctive character.

Terroir

Santa Lucia Highlands sits in the southern reaches of Monterey County, where cool Pacific breezes moderate daytime temperatures and extend the growing season, allowing Pinot Noir grapes to develop complexity and balance. The Soberanes Vineyard benefits from the region's marine influence and well-draining soils that impart the mineral quality characteristic of these coastal foothills.

Food Pairings

Try this with pan-seared duck breast and a cherry gastrique, where the wine's silky tannins and bright acidity complement both the rich meat and tart sauce. It's equally at home with a simple roasted chicken with herbs and mushrooms, or with charcuterie and soft cheeses on a casual evening.