PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
L’Usine 2018 Sleepy Hollow Vineyard is an elegant, bold Pinot Noir from Monterey County (Santa Lucia Highlands) that blends richness of red and dark fruit with exotic spice and forest-floor earthiness. It offers pronounced character while still maintaining finesse—great now (with decanting) and able to gain nuance over several more years.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Producer | L’Usine (David “Dave” Phinney) |
| Vineyard | Sleepy Hollow Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, California, USA |
| Vintage | 2018 |
| Varietal | 100% Pinot Noir |
| Alcohol / Strength | ~14.5% ABV |
| Element | Notes from Critics / Reviewers |
|---|---|
| Nose / Aroma | Aromas of pomegranate, black pepper, loamy earth; red cherries and berries; some forest-floor, herbal undertones; hints of vanilla and dark fruits. |
| Palate / Taste | Rich black fruits: black raspberry, red currant, cherry; darker plum tones; earthy / savory accents; underbrush, forest floor, a touch of spice (clove / pepper) balanced by fruit; oak integration provides structure. |
| Finish | Long and focused; finely-knit grainy tannins; lingering savory and earth elements; spice and fruit persistence. |
| Source | Score / Rating |
|---|---|
| Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate | 94 points |
| Wine Spectator | 90 points |
Vineyard Terroir: Sleepy Hollow Vineyard is known for its cool coastal influences, well-draining soils, and elevation—factors that help Pinot Noir grapes ripen with both depth and freshness.
Winemaking Style: Use of new oak balanced with age, careful skin contact, and attention to detail in fermentation and aging bring out both power and nuance.
Balance of Fruit, Earth & Spice: It’s not just fruit: the earthy, savory, forest-floor elements and spice make it more layered than a straightforward fruit-forward Pinot. Enhance its complexity.
Strengths:
Rich, expressive fruit profile with solid structure.
Complex aromatics: fruit + earth + spice makes it interesting over multiple sips.
Good value for its score and pedigree; appealing to serious Pinot lovers.
Things to Be Mindful Of:
Because of its alcohol level (~14.5%) and ripe fruit, it may feel “warm” to some; cooling or decanting helps.
Oak / spice may overshadow delicate fruit if served too warm or without letting it breathe.
For fans of very light, ethereal Pinot, this style is more full-bodied and assertive.
Decant for ~30 minutes before serving to allow aromatics and flavors to open up.
Serve at ca. 15-17°C (59-63°F) to balance release of fruit and preserve freshness.
Use Burgundy-style glasses to help express the nose.
Food Pairings:
Roasted duck breast with cherry or berry sauce
Grilled pork with herbs (sage, thyme)
Mushroom risotto or dishes with earthy mushrooms
Game birds, roasted or grilled
Mild cheeses with herbal or mushroom notes
Bottle Size: All bottles are 750ML/700ML unless otherwise noted.
21 and Over: Adult Signature Required
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