Introducing Rombauer Pinot Noir
Since 1980, Rombauer Vineyards, started by Koerner and Joan Rombauer, has been a family owned cornerstone of the Napa Valley wine scene, producing high-quality wines that have won the hearts of wine enthusiasts worldwide.
Now crafting approximately 350,000 cases of wine annually, Rombauer has established itself as a paragon of winemaking excellence in both Napa Valley and the Sierra Foothills.
While many wine enthusiasts from all over the world are familiar with Rombauer’s immensely popular California-style Chardonnay, it’s worth noting that their exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, and Barbera offerings are equally impressive, delivering unparalleled quality at an incredible value.
In this blog post, we’ll explore their latest masterpiece – the 2021 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir, a stunning new release that exemplifies the elegance and complexity Rombauer is renowned.
As a huge fan of Rombauer wines and the unlikely story of Koerner and Joan Rombauer, I had to head to their Sierra Foothills tasting room on March 30th to get some of the new Pinot and try it for myself.
A New Chapter for Rombauer Vineyards
Rombauer Vineyards unveiled this new wine on April 1st, 2023 marking their first portfolio expansion since 2014 when they introduced their popular Sauvignon Blanc. Like the Sauvignon Blanc, this new wine is sure to be a customer favorite.
A conversation with Rombauer President, Bob Knebel, reveals the family-owned winery’s unwavering focus on customer satisfaction and their dedication to crafting wines that are truly enjoyed by their customers.
This very same dedication is what drives Rombauer to take a meticulous approach to ensuring that every aspect of their new wine is perfected before it is released to the public.
This highly anticipated release of their Pinot Noir, priced at $65.00 which is a good value compared to a lot of wines being sold in Napa Valley, is a testament to Rombauer’s commitment to innovation and their relentless pursuit of quality.
The one thing I know from my experience working for Rombauer Vineyards is they will spare no expense to improve the quality of the wine they produce which makes this new wine even more exciting.
The winery sustainably farms nearly 900 acres of vineyards across Carneros, Atlas Peak, Stags Leap, St. Helena, Calistoga, Sonoma Valley, Napa Valley, and the Sierra Foothills, and their dedication to sustainable practices has helped them maintain the highest standards in winemaking.
A Collaborative Effort with a Pinot Noir Specialist
To create this exceptional Pinot Noir, Rombauer Vineyards joined forces with Siduri founder Adam Lee, a renowned Pinot Noir specialist. This collaboration has resulted in a wine that showcases the best of both Rombauer and Lee’s expertise, elevating the Rombauer Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir experience to new heights.
The Santa Lucia Highlands: A Perfect Terroir for Pinot Noir
The grapes for this extraordinary Pinot Noir are sourced from the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA in Monterey County, a cool climate region that is heavily influenced by Monterey Bay and sees its share of California sunshine.
According to the Vice President of Viticulture and Winemaking, Richie Allen, this unique terroir provides the ideal conditions for growing premium Pinot Noir grapes, resulting in wines with exceptional depth and character.
Obsessed with Wine Podcast Episode
Listen Here
Listen to my interview with Rombauer VP of Viticulture and Winemaking to hear him talk about what it was like working for Koerner and Joan Rombauer in Napa Valley, and why he has stayed there for over 20 years.
Handpicked from Exceptional Vineyard Sites
The grapes for Rombauer’s 2021 Pinot Noir were carefully selected from five of Monterey County’s most esteemed vineyards. These exceptional vineyard sites including Sierra Mar, Garys’, Rosella’s, Lemoravo, and Soberanes.
By sourcing fruit from these exceptional sites, Rombauer has crafted a wine that embodies the region’s distinct terroir and showcases the nuances that make Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir so highly regarded.
Rombauer Pinot Noir Tasting Notes: Elegance and Complexity in Every Sip
The 2021 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir is a true testament to Rombauer’s dedication to quality and elegance.
This Pinot Noir has a beautiful translucent red color that is characteristic of the varietal. On the nose, there are lovely aromas of red fruit right off the vine that invite you to take a sip. On the palate, this wine has a lighter body with just the right amount of earthiness that is signature of a good Pinot Noir.
It’s vibrant red fruit flavors shine through, with hints of cherry and raspberry that are balanced by subtle notes of oak and spice. Overall, this is a well-crafted Pinot Noir that is sure to please any wine lover who enjoys the elegance and finesse of this classic grape.
Rombauer Pinot Noir Food Pairing Ideas
- Pork tenderloin: Pinot Noir’s fruit-forward profile complements the sweet, savory flavors of pork tenderloin.
- Roasted vegetables: The earthiness of roasted vegetables pairs well with the earthy notes in Pinot Noir.
- Beef Bourguignon: Pinot Noir’s light body and acidity make it an excellent match for this classic French dish.
- Pasta with tomato-based sauce: The acidity in Pinot Noir pairs well with the acidity in tomato-based pasta sauces.
- Pizza: Pinot Noir’s fruit-forward profile and subtle notes of spice make it a great match for pizza, especially those with mushroom or sausage toppings.
My Final Thoughts
Rombauer’s 2021 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot is a shining example of its commitment to excellence in producing the best wine they can from exceptional veneyard sites.
This captivating new release showcases the best of both Rombauer Vineyards in Napa Valley and the Santa Lucia Highlands terroir, offering wine enthusiasts a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
With its rich, silky texture and a harmonious balance of red fruit, earthiness, and warm spice, this Pinot Noir embodies the ultimate expression of elegance and complexity.
As Rombauer Vineyards continues its customer-centric approach, there’s no doubt that the 2021 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir will quickly become a fan favorite in its tasting rooms in Napa Valley and the Sierra Foothills as well as its expansive wine club.
Don’t miss the opportunity to taste the inaugural vintage of this exceptional wine for yourself and discover why Rombauer Pinot Noir is the ultimate expression of elegance and complexity.
So, pour yourself a glass, savor the incredible flavors, and raise a toast to Rombauer Vineyards – a family owned winery that continues to raise the bar with each new release.
And don’t forget to share your thoughts and experiences with this remarkable Pinot Noir in the comments below. Cheers!
