There are many great wineries in the Santa Lucia Highlands located in very
diverse Montery County. John Steinbeck described the area in his renown novel “
East of Eden” “The Santa Lucias stood up against the sky to the west and kept
the valley from the open sea, and they were dark and brooding…”
The Santa Lucia mountains rise from Monterey’s County’s fertile Salinas Valley on the west, separating it from the Pacific Ocean. The vines of this steep hillside district enjoy cooling ocean breeze and fog from Monterey Bay. This results the finest early varietally-labeled Pinots from the district. Slow, gentle ripening that is California’s longest “hang time” creating exceptional intensity, complexity, and balance in the grapes.
The McIntyre estate vineyard is located in the central section of the Santa Lucia Highlands. The vineyard was originally planted by the McFarland family in 1973 and boasts some of the Highlands’ oldest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines. In 1979 a Pinot Noir from the vineyard, under the “Stony Hill” label, is still regarded as one of best produced from the area.
Steve McIntyre helped “write the book” on sustainable winegrowing in the Santa
Lucia Highlands appellation.
raised in the Central Valley of California and the son of a UC Davis professor.
Byron attended UC Davis, where he studied English Literature as well as
Viticulture and Enology. He began his winemaking career in 1985 as a Pinot Noir
and Chardonnay specialist in Carneros at Saintsbury Winery. After 15 years at
Saintsbury, he departed in 2001 to pursue other projects, including his own
label, B. Kosuge Wines, as well as Miura Vineyards, Foghorn, and Kingston Family
Vineyards in Chile.
2008 Estate
Chardonnay-Santa Lucia Highlands
Chardonnays. The McIntyre 2008 Santa Lucia Highlands Estate Chardonnay was a
nice break from very “oaky” Chardonnays that don’t allow the true essences of
the varietal to be appreciated. The 2007 Vintage earned a 92 point score from
Wine Enthusiast which increased our expectation of the 2008 Vintage. On the nose
, this lovely Chardonnay gave us aromas of grapefruit and orange giving way to
lively citrus notes and balanced acid on the palate with hints of toast and
butter on the end with a long finish .
2006 Mission Ranch Pinot
Noir-Arroyo Seco
the Santa Lucia Highlands and is very well known for its Chardonnays and Pinot
Noirs. In the glass The 2006 Mission Ranch is quite deep ruby in color and full
bodied On the nose, big but nor overwhelming aromas of Cherry and blackberry
jump out . Other similarly dark fruit flavors, spice and smoke join with cherry
on the palate with a silky smooth finish.
Noir a real gem and should be enjoyed after decanting to allow all of its unique
flavors and Aromas to open.
Noir – Santa Lucia Highlands
anticipation when we opened this lovely 92 Point Wine from Wine Enthusiast.
Steve used two clones of Pinot Noir sustainably grown from their estate vineyard
located in the heart of the coveted Santa Lucia Highlands appellation . On the
nose characteristic light cherry and raspberry notes flow into a palate of cola
and red jammy fruit with spice and a long elegant finish.
Chef.Steve McIntyre is a true legend and his wines reflect his passion for winemaking and growing. We look forward to visiting again soon as he
is in the midst of planning a “green” winery and visitors’ center for their
estate vineyard.