2018 Montagne Russe Pinot Noir ‘Birchbark’ Tondre Grapefield Santa Lucia Highlands

This small production vintner offers an impressive pinot noir: wonderful texture, great dynamic play between fruit and earth/stone minerality.

The oldest roller coasters were inspired by constructed hills of wood and ice that were a favorite of Catherine the Great and used for sledding in the Gardens of Oranienbaum in 18th century St. Petersburg. Historians debate whether it was the Russians or the French who first placed wheels on the sleds, however it is clear that French visitors upon seeing these slides brought the idea back to France in 1804 and appropriately called them, “Russian Mountains… …MONTAGNE RUSSE.”

WSI93+ This Pinot sits more on the ripe fruit side of the divide. Stewed strawberries, with hints of cola and Christmas spices. If our other Pinots are spring Pinots, this is definitely more of a fall wine. As it ages it will continue soften into a mature rich Pinot. While it’s a one man show on its own, the BirchBark Pinot is the perfect accompaniment to roast fowl and other game birds.
What better way to help out the animals of Santa Cruz and Monterey as 10% of each bottle sale is donated to the BirchBark Foundation, a nonprofit that saves animals’ lives during veterinary emergencies when their owners are unable to afford the necessary care. Their mission is to prevent the unnecessary euthanasia of animals.