2019 Tolosa 'Primera' Edna Ranch Vineyard Pinot Noir

“…consistently among the most impressive…” – Vinous

Double 96 POINTS plus a 95 impressive enough? Once Classified, now completely out in the open! With a hefty 70% discount, dropping over $100 off the price tag.

Tolosa returns, with nothing to hide. The winery calls it “a statement Pinot Noir for the enophile ready for prestige” and it surely is a statement if we ever experienced one - from the moment you hold that heavy, wax-sealed bottle with a glistening medallion, you know it's going to be special.

Tolosa is a favorite among locals of the California Central Coast. Located in San Luis Obispo, or SLO to those in the know, they set the bar for high-quality wines. The name pays homage to Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, and the wines are simply heavenly.

That reputation is built upon the founders Robin and Michelle Baggett’s experience. They are the REAL DEAL. Both active in wine growing and hospitality since the 1980s, after establishing Tolosa in the Edna Valley they started Alpha Omega in Napa and took on Perinet in Priorat to round out their Alpha Omega Collective portfolio. Besides growing and making outstanding wine, Robin’s career in law led him to an 8-year stint as General Counsel to the NBA’s championship-winning Golden State Warriors.

Baggetts’ ability to make all the magic happen has a lot to do with their trusted winemaker Frederic Delivert. The resume spans more than 3 decades and includes PlumpJack, Cade, Far Niente, Duckhorn, and Hafner as well as Domaines Croix Maro and de la Valmale in France. Since joining Tolosa with the 1997 harvest, his focus has been on single-vineyard expressions from some of the best in California.

As Vinous says, “the spare-no-expense policies at Tolosa mean that the wines are never cheap, but they are consistently among the most impressive, often flamboyant Pinot Noirs being made.” Never cheap? Well, Mr. Galloni has obviously not been snooping around these parts.

Now, what about the wine? Think black and red cherries, fresh tobacco, and cola aromas. The actual tasting notes from our Spies tasting included a word we can’t use here and “PROFOUND” per Agent Noir for one: “Layers and layers, earth, fruit, and literal magic.”

With $110 OFF, this stretches the limits of our abilities to bring you the best deals. If you missed when it was Classified, you have no excuses now except for being late.

96 Points – Wine Advocate “The 2019 Pinot Noir Primera was matured in 28% new oak and comes from blocks from across the estate. It has a pale ruby-purple color and aromas of red and black cherries, iron, bitter citrus, licorice, and pipe tobacco. The medium-bodied palate offers grainy tannins and fireworks of fresh acidity countering its concentrated fruits. It's a Pinot Noir with loads of stuffing that paints a beautiful picture of the potential for excellence in Edna Valley. It will continue to unwind in a bottle over the next 3-5 years. Drink 2022-2032.”

96 Points – Decanter World Wine Awards “Snappy savoury red cherry, raspberry, violet, delicate herbal aromatics and vanilla pod. The palate is complex with flavours of pomegranate, cranberry, cherry and raspberry shining through. Very long, fine finish with ripe tannins, subdued oak and replays of forest fruit. Absolutely delicious - this can age.”

95 Points – Vinous “The spare-no-expense policies at Toloso Winery mean that the wines are never cheap, but they are consistently among the most impressive, often flamboyant Pinot Noirs being made from the Central Coast, as well as Sonoma. Winemaker Frederic Delivert, a native of France who was educated in enology and winemaking, has been in charge since 1997. While there’s no shying away from new oak here, I find the fruit intensity of the wines to be up to the task of handling it. Even better, the tannins are extremely well-managed, allowing for early drinking; however, patience will no doubt benefit these 2019s. Deep garnet. Impressively expressive, spice- and mineral-accented aromas of raspberry, cherry cola, boysenberry and succulent flowers on the powerfully scented nose. Juicy red berry liqueur, candied rose and exotic spice flavors stain the palate, braced by a core of smoky minerality. Concentrated as well as lively in character, with a sexy floral quality emerging on the extremely persistent finish, which features a reverberating red fruit note and discreet tannins. Drink 2024-2033.”