Tondre H Block Pinot Noir
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Typically best enjoyed 3–10 years from the vintage release.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Roasted duck, creamy mushroom risotto, seared salmon.
✨ wine.spec_sheet
Sourced from the prestigious Tondre Grapefield in the Santa Lucia Highlands of Monterey County, the Tondre H Block Pinot Noir is a testament to cool-climate viticulture. The vineyard was originally planted in 1997 by Tondre Alarid, a pioneer whose family has deep roots in the region's agricultural history. The 'H Block' is highly prized for its unique positioning, where it receives the full cooling influence of the afternoon winds sweeping in from Monterey Bay. Dominion Tantara utilizes traditional, low-intervention winemaking techniques, including aging in select French oak barrels, to preserve the intense dark cherry, cola, and earthy spice characteristics that define this exceptional terroir.
🍾 wine.about_producer
Founded in 1997 by Bill Cates, Dominion Tantara is a distinguished boutique winery located in the Santa Maria Valley of Santa Barbara County, California. The winery is dedicated to producing exceptional, site-specific wines, sourcing fruit from some of the Central Coast's most prestigious vineyards, including Bentrock, Dierberg, and La Encantada. Emphasizing traditional French winemaking methods and minimal intervention, Dominion Tantara specializes in elegant, terroir-driven Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah. Their acclaimed single-vineyard and reserve bottlings, such as the Cuvee Jeannette and Evelyn Pinot Noirs, are highly regarded for their sophistication, balance, and aging potential.