Ascona Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir 2024
“A versatile pairing, the wine complements grilled salmon, soft cheese, risotto, and poultry.”
Located at ~2500 feet of elevation in the South Skyline region of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Ascona Vineyard is farmed with dedicated organic practices. The soils are ancient marine sedimentary deposits of loosely consolidated sandstone and siltstone, with an average southwest exposure. Ascona is perched above the daytime marine layer with fog and cool Pacific breezes prevailing overnight. This strong diurnal temperature variation permits phenolic ripening and stem maturation while preserving fresh natural acidity. The Pinot Noir are the oldest vines here and are planted on a high chalky plateau at the southern end of Ascona Vineyard.
This wine is made from a small, native yeast ferment in an open-top tank, 100% whole clusters. Each fermentation is treated individually and tasted daily to assess the maceration and extraction. After the primary fermentation is complete, the grapes are pressed and the wine is stored in neutral French oak barrels for 9 months. This wine is unfined and unfiltered. This wine was made thoughtfully to show itself best with age. Enjoy now or cellar 5 - 12 years for savoring at its peak.
3 barrels produced, 13.5% ABV
Tasting notes: The wine boasts a perfume of ripe raspberry, dried tarragon, blood orange, and shiitake mushroom. The tannins are taught around a bright red fruit core of Santa Rosa plum with hints of black pepper, and koji. A versatile pairing, the wine complements grilled salmon, soft cheese, risotto, and poultry.
Producer…
Madson Wines
Cole Thomas founded Madson Wines in the spring of 2018, alongside Ken Swegles and Abbey Chrystal. The wines of Madson are utterly unique – nuanced, subtle, unmistakably Alpine in character, yet influenced by the vineyards’ close proximity to the Pacific Ocean.
