AldenAlli is a collaboration between the families Dan Kosta and Emeril Lagasse. The winery is named after their wifes Alli Kosta and Alden Lagasse. The initial release was a 2013 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. In 2015 the lineup expanded to include a single vineyard Pinot Noir from Campbell Ranch and a Zinfandel from Limerick Lane Vineyard. Shane Finley is the winemaker at AldenAlli.
At approximately 750 feet above sea level, Campbell Ranch vineyard sits right at the boundary of the marine layer in the remote coastal mountains above Annapolis, California. The marine influence ensures that the cool, coastal climate delays ripening well beyond the warmer vineyards to the east. The fifteen-year-old vines grow on sandy, low-vigor Goldridge soil, which helps reduce yields just under three tons per acre.
Crimson in color. 14.1% ABV. Gorgeous nose of red fruits, cloves, cherry cola and forest floor. Medium to full bodied with tremendous acidity. Elegant and charming. Black cherry, raspberry, cranberry and baking spices on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. This wine is still somewhat young and has the concentration and power to further improve in the cellar. Absolutely delicious. Best over the next 3-5 years.
My rating: 94 points.
AldenAlli is just getting started. The 2019 version of this wine will be released next year. I trust Dan Kosta and encourage readers to consider signing up for the mailing list.
I previously wrote about AldenAlli in Three Mailers to Consider.