— 2021 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir “重逢”
The Pinot Noir from Monterey Coast was aged for 11 months in French oak, with a careful balance of 15% new and 85% seasoned barrels. Sourced from the McIntyre vineyard, this vintage captures the expressive character of the Santa Lucia Highlands, with optimal growing conditions allowing for excellent flavor concentration and balance.
About this wine
Named “Chong Feng” (重逢), meaning "to reunite," this Pinot Noir is a tribute to cherished gatherings with loved ones. Crafted from a near-perfect vintage, the 2021 wine reflects the warmth and subtle richness of the Santa Lucia Highlands. Each sip unveils layers of bright red fruit and gentle earthiness, with vibrant acidity and a fine tannic structure that gracefully supports the ripe fruit profile. It’s a wine that invites connection, embodying the joy and harmony of reuniting with those who matter most.
Winemaker’s tasting notes
The 2021 Pinot Noir is about 75% from the heritage Swan selection, a low yielding but extremely flavorful and aromatic Pinot Noir selection. It gives a wine with great purity of fruit. Red fruits and fresh berries define the aromatics while on the palate bright acidity and fine-grained tannins balance the ripe fruit beautifully. I think it is our best Pinot Noir yet!
Pairs well with
Peking Duck, Cantonese Roasted Pork, Braised Pork Belly, Sichuan-style Spicy Tofu, Steamed Fish with Ginger. This Pinot Noir pairs elegantly with a variety of Chinese dishes that highlight its purity of fruit, vibrant acidity, and fine tannins. Its bright berry notes and smooth texture complement the delicate flavors of Peking duck, enhancing the crisp skin and tender meat. Try it alongside char siu (Cantonese roasted pork) to balance the dish’s savory-sweet glaze, or enjoy it with braised pork belly for a rich, flavorful pairing that allows the wine’s acidity to cut through the dish’s richness. For seafood lovers, steamed fish with ginger and scallions brings out the wine’s refreshing qualities, while Sichuan-style spicy tofu (mapo tofu) adds a playful contrast, highlighting the Pinot Noir's fruit-forward profile without overwhelming it. Each pairing celebrates the wine’s finesse, inviting moments of culinary harmony.