2022 Mansfield-Dunne Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands

This dense, black-fruited Pinot Noir is made up of two vineyards within the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. Cortada Alta is the highest elevation vineyard in the appellation and features aspects as steep as 44 percent. Peterson is a low-lying vineyard that is influenced by the Salinas River. The two vineyards combine to make a complex, well-balanced red from one the most exciting California regions for Pinot Noir.

Winemaker, and now owner, Ed Kurtzman has been making Pinot Noir for over thirty years! His resume contains a long list of prestige wineries. He is a masterful winemaker of Pinot Noir and a highly in-demand consultant. Up until the fall of 2025, he was making his wines in San Francisco but has since moved his operation up to Sonoma County.

This gorgeous and sumptuous Pinot Noir is well-suited for intensely marinated meats that are spicy from heat or spice, as well as various salmon preparations. A pizza with goat cheese and figs would also be a knock-out pairing!

Winery Notes:
“The nose greets you with an interesting potpourri of dried cranberry, ground coffee, fresh tarragon, and woodsy spice.The palate is robust with a complex mix of berries and is framed by notes of black pepper, tobacco, toasted marshmallow, and ground cardamom. The 2022 SLH Pinot finishes with perfectly-balanced acidity and fine tannins.” The dark Cortada Alta gives the dark-fruit intensity, countered by the bright, red-fruited Peterson. 80% Free Run juice, 12% new French oak. 288 cases produced.