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.
Ruby red in color. 14.1% ABV. Pretty nose of red fruits, cloves and forest floor. Medium body with perfect acidity. Lush, charming and earthy. Cherry, pomegranate, baking spices and soil on the palate. The finish is long, supple and spicy. Very appealing and easy to drink. Best over the next several years.
My rating: 92 points.
I am unclear on the future of AldenAlli now that Dan Kosta has launched a new Pinot Noir label known as Convene. I’ll write about this later when I have an update.