Located just 20 miles from the Monterey Bay, Eden Rift stands as the oldest continually producing vineyard in California. The 120-acre estate, planted in 1849 by Theophile Vache, rests on the San Andreas Faultline and is situated within the Cienega Valley AVA. Merely two miles away from the renowned Pinot Noir producer Calera, whose founder Josh Jensen actively sought the limestone and dolomite-rich soils, the winery has a rich historical connection.
Before Josh Jensen, early vintners initiated some of the first Pinot Noir plantings in California at Eden Rift, commencing in 1860. However, the focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay waned post-prohibition until 2016 when Christian Pillsbury acquired the estate. Under Christian's stewardship, a team of young industry professionals, led by winemaker Cory Waller, was assembled to revive the legacy of crafting vibrant and energetic Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
The estate's extreme terraces and diverse terroir, situated in a single contiguous valley, position California's oldest vineyard as one of its most exciting new projects.
NOTES FROM VINOVOSS SOMMELIER
The Eden Rift Vineyards Pinot Noir is a delightful and elegant wine with the true essence of the Pinot Noir grape.With its vibrant ruby color, this wine immediately captivates the eye. On the nose, it offers a bouquet of red berries, such as ripe cherries and raspberries, accompanied by subtle floral notes and a touch of earthiness.
On the palate, the Eden Rift Vineyards Pinot Noir reveals a harmonious balance between fruit and acidity. The flavors of red fruits continue to shine, with additional hints of cranberries and pomegranate. The wine's silky texture and refined tannins contribute to a smooth and lingering finish.
This Pinot Noir is a perfect match for a variety of dishes, including roasted duck, grilled salmon, or mushroom risotto. Its versatility and complexity make it a great choice for both casual gatherings and special occasions.
The Central Coast of California is a wine lover's paradise, boasting a wide variety of climates, soils, and grape varieties. Located between San Francisco and Los Angeles, the Central Coast spans from Monterey County in the north to Santa Barbara County in the south. With its diverse topography and Mediterranean climate, the Central Coast is home to some of the most renowned wineries in the United States.
The Central Coast has a long and storied history of winemaking, dating back to the mid-1800s. The first vineyards were planted in the Santa Clara Valley, and by the late 1800s, the region was producing some of the finest wines in the country. The region's reputation for quality wines was further solidified in the early 1989, when the Santa Clara Valley was declared among the first American Viticultural Area (AVA) in the United States.