Sustainably Grown
“Growing up all my life working lettuce, broccoli, bean and pepper fields, it was just natural for Dad and I to call our grapes ‘the grapefields’. What can I say… The term stuck.”
– Joe Alarid
“Growing up all my life working lettuce, broccoli, bean and pepper fields, it was just natural for Dad and I to call our grapes ‘the grapefields’. What can I say… The term stuck.”
– Joe Alarid
Welcome to the Land of Tondré
Tondré Wines began with a desire to produce the best possible wine for family and friends from fruit grown on the Alarid Family Home Ranch. Today, the Alarid family is happy and proud to share their limited production Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines to even the most discriminating wine connoisseur. Their award-winning wines continue to be produced exclusively with estate fruit grown on Tondré Grapefield in the heart of the renowned Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County.
You are invited to experience truly artisanal wines that offer vibrant, elegant colors; deeply fragrant aromas; varietal purity on the palate and a velvety, lingering finish.
Tondré Grapefield fruit is meticulously raised and nurtured 24/7.
Tondré Wines are a labor of love…
Passion in a Bottle.
“This Tondré Pinot is firmly structured, with spicy flavors of raspberry and rhubarb and a hint of mineral. It’s a wine that should continue to age well for several years.”
– Laurie Daniel, Appellation America
“This Tondré Pinot is firmly structured, with spicy flavors of raspberry and rhubarb and a hint of mineral. It’s a wine that should continue to age well for several years.”
– Laurie Daniel, Appellation America
About Us
A lifetime farmer, Joe Alarid grew up on the family farm that his parents Yvonne and Tondre Alarid bought in the 1950’s. Under the fine tutelage of his father Tondre, Joe planted 6 ½ acres of Pinot Noir grapes in 1997 to augment the vegetables and citrus they were already farming. Although they knew their soil was good for grapes, they did not foresee 6 ½ acres becoming over 100 acres of the finest quality Pinot, Chardonnay, Riesling and Syrah fruit blanketing the Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County.
Joe’s meticulous vineyard management has caught the attention of many fine discriminating vignerons who purchase his fruit. His Tondré Grapefield designate grapes speak volumes for complex fruit quality and consistency vintage after vintage. Joe also sets aside hand-picked Tondré Grapefield fruit for use in his limited production, award winning family brand “Tondré” which he and his wife Penny began in 2005.
Joe’s commitment to farming sustainably reflects his desire to protect both natural and human resources. It’s an additional way Joe shows respect for the land that bears his fruit and the members of his dedicated team.
Harvest 2022 officially welcomed BRIAN ALARID to the Tondre Grapefield team! Brian has been farming from a young age with both his father Joe, and his grandfather Tondre.
A 2021 graduate from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo’s Bio-Resource and Engineering Department, Brian brings a wealth of knowledge and value to the Tondre Grapefield and operational team.
Joe, his wife Penny and Joe Jr. are especially proud and honored to have Brian join the family business!
About Us
A lifetime farmer, Joe Alarid grew up on the family farm that his parents Yvonne and Tondre Alarid bought in the 1950’s. Under the fine tutelage of his father Tondre, Joe planted 6 ½ acres of Pinot Noir grapes in 1997 to augment the vegetables and citrus they were already farming. Although they knew their soil was good for grapes, they did not foresee 6 ½ acres becoming over 100 acres of the finest quality Pinot, Chardonnay, Riesling and Syrah fruit blanketing the Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County.
Joe’s meticulous vineyard management has caught the attention of many fine discriminating vignerons who purchase his fruit. His Tondré Grapefield designate grapes speak volumes for complex fruit quality and consistency vintage after vintage. Joe also sets aside hand-picked Tondré Grapefield fruit for use in his limited production, award winning family brand “Tondré” which he and his wife Penny began in 2005.
Joe’s commitment to farming sustainably reflects his desire to protect both natural and human resources. It’s an additional way Joe shows respect for the land that bears his fruit and the members of his dedicated team.
Harvest 2022 officially welcomed BRIAN ALARID to the Tondre Grapefield team! Brian has been farming from a young age with both his father Joe, and his grandfather Tondre.
A 2021 graduate from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo’s Bio-Resource and Engineering Department, Brian brings a wealth of knowledge and value to the Tondre Grapefield and operational team.
Joe, his wife Penny and Joe Jr. are especially proud and honored to have Brian join the family business!
“Wish not so much to live long as to live well.”
– Benjamin Franklin
“Wish not so much to live long as to live well.”
– Benjamin Franklin
Tondré Grapefield and the Santa Lucia Highlands Terroir
In 1997, Tondré Grapefield was planted on 6 ½ acres. It has grown to 104 acres and rests in the heart of the Santa Lucia Highland Appellation, Monterey County.
Joe Alarid currently farms a wide range of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay clones to ensure that there is a medley of fruit and sufficient Tondré pedigree character to suit vintner stylistic preferences. He also grows a very limited amount of Syrah and Riesling. Included in the broad spectrum of Pinot Noir plantings are clones 115, Pommard 4, 777, 943, 667, 828 and Swan. Chardonnay clones include 76, 96, 543 and New York.
Vignerons regard the Santa Lucia Highlands Appellation as one of the crown jewels of California agriculture for Pinot and Chardonnay grapes. The importance and interdependence of combining grower and vintner is omnipresent for wine quality assurance and protection of a vineyard designation vintage by vintage. Joe carefully chooses vignerons to ensure that wines made from Tondré Grapefield fruit are among the premier wines of the Santa Lucia Highland appellation.
This distinguished appellation has protruding, southeast-facing slopes, strong maritime influences from Monterey Bay and ancient glacial soils consisting of decomposed granite, gravel and sandy loam. The unique location of Tondré Grapefield allows the grapes to have an extended “hang time”, meaning more sunlight on the vine, more grape ripening and sufficient cool-down in the evening to firm up the fruit’s natural acidity. Tondré Grapefield vines have deep soil penetration and mineral extraction giving the grapes distinctively intense flavor.
Hands On Vineyard Management
Growing up as a vegetable farmer instilled in Joe the tendency to be patient, yet quick and hands-on when necessary; traits he uses to this day. Managing vines is second nature to him. His efficient canopy management encompasses leaf pulling, strategic water application and nutrient balancing. This meticulous approach results in growing some of the most complex, deep flavored grapes in the Santa Lucia Highlands.
Joe’s approach to farming addresses the farm in its entirety; the worker, soil fertility, cover crops, wildlife, native plants, irrigation and more.
“There is great pleasure in working with the soil, apart from the ownership of it. The man who has planted a garden feels that he has done something for the good of the world.”
– Charles D. Warner
“There is great pleasure in working with the soil, apart from the ownership of it. The man who has planted a garden feels that he has done something for the good of the world.”
– Charles D. Warner
Tondré Wines
Passion in a Bottle
Tondré Wines
Passion in a Bottle
Anthony Craig, Tondré Winemaker
Anthony began his tenure as a winemaker for David Bruce Winery. Originally a Shakespearean actor from the English town of Newcastle, Anthony led the vineyard designate program at David Bruce working his way up to head winemaker.
Anthony uses oak as an interactive process with the grapes each year. He focuses on how the wine feels along with how it tastes. As a critic of over-oaking, he avoids unneeded oak tannins that reduce bright color hues, produce harsh tannins and unbalance the wine.
He has been producing award winning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay for Tondré since the beginning and is a most valued member of the team. He is committed to producing elegantly refined and luxuriously flavored wines that remain true to the terroir.
Tondré Grapefield fruit and Anthony’s winemaking skills are a great pairing. Tondré Wines consistently win Best of Class, Gold Medals, 90+ scores and even Best Red of Show in International, National and Local wine competitions.
Anthony lives in San Jose, CA with his famous musician wife, Elena Sharkova and their son Alexander.
Tondré 2021 Chardonnay
Fermenting Chardonnay in stainless steel tanks lets us precisely control the fermentation temperature. It is essential to ferment slowly in a cold (~ 58 -60F) environment to maintain the fruitiness of this delicate grape. Using Champagne yeast creates a creamy mid-palate and offers a subtle tasty character to the finish. A small portion was fermented in the barrel for added complexity. The minimal oak usage makes the pure, crisp Chardonnay fruit shine.
Tondré 2021 Pinot Noir
The 2021 vintage Pinot Noir offers a captivating display of luscious red and black cherry fruit, skillfully intermingled with a delightful blend of assorted spices that perfectly embodies the essence of Tondré Grapefield and the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. The palate offers a velvety texture that exudes elegance. It’s acidity is balanced complementing the moderate tannins to perfection.
Tondré 2020 Chardonnay
The 2020 Vintage Chardonnay turned out to be a complicated year due to the wildfires in California. Although the smoke impacted the red grapes, it posed less of an issue for the whites. The reason being, they are not fermented on the skins the way Pinot Noir and other reds are. In years like these, great care is taken at this stage to prevent any smoke impact from affecting the juice. When the grapes are loaded into the press, they are pressed several times at a low pressure to extract every last ounce; a technique used by large wineries focused on volume rather than quality. Once pressed, our 2020 Vintage Chardonnay was entirely tank-fermented to show off the natural fruitiness. The resulting wine speaks for itself. It has the usual crisp apple notes with a hint of tropical fruit and the creaminess from the champagne yeast used during fermentation. This process helps to counter-balance the refreshing natural acidity.
Tondré 2019 Pinot Noir
Sold Out
The 2019 vintage Tondrè offers up a wonderful array of red cherry fruit and spice. The earthy attributes of the Pommard clone with its dark fruits; black cherry and blackberries, underscore and anchor the brighter aromatics to create a complex nose. The palate is gloriously rich and elegant at the same time, leaving a long lasting impression of the spice and fruit on the finish.
Tondré 2019 Chardonnay
Our 2019 Vintage Chardonnay shows a tremendous depth of fruit highlighted by tropical notes and a hint of citrus and crisp green apple. It is a blend of tank-fermented wine (80%) and barrel-fermented wine (20%). The new oak portion of the fermented barrel wine is approximately 5% and adds a structured mid-palate layer which offers a subtle note of oak on the finish. The natural refreshing acidity of our grapes is maintained with the fermented barrel portion of the wine only going through ML. We use a champagne yeast for the tank-fermented portion that adds a wonderful creamy note to the palate and helps to balance the acidity.
Tondré 2018 Pinot Noir
Sold Out
The 2018 vintage Tondrè offers up a wonderful array of red cherry fruit and spice. The earthy attributes of the Pommard clone with its dark fruits; black cherry and blackberries, underscore and anchor the brighter aromatics to create a complex nose. The palate is gloriously rich and elegant at the same time, leaving a long lasting impression of the spice and fruit on the finish.
Tondré 2018 Chardonnay
Sold Out
The 2018 Vintage Tondrè Chardonnay shows a tremendous depth of fruit, highlighted by bright tropical notes with hints of citrus and apple. It is a blend of tank fermented (80%) and barrel fermented (20%) wine. The new oak component of the barrel fermented portion (Approx. 5%) adds a structured mid palate layer, and offers a subtle note of oak on the finish. Crisp, refreshing acidity is maintained with the barrel fermented portion of the wine only going through ML.
Tondré Pinot Noir 2016
Sold Out
The 2016 Vintage Pinot Noir shows an array of red and black cherry fruit, assorted ripe berries, nutmeg, and that wonderful Santa Lucia Highlands AVA spiciness that resembles dried herbs, potpourri and earthy forest floor. The palate is soft and plush with balanced acidity and moderate tannin. The tight grained oak used in aging graces the finish with a subtle note of cinnamon.
Tondré Pinot Noir 2015
Sold Out
The 2015 vintage yielded a much smaller crop than usual, so unfortunately there is much less wine, but, it is of such high quality that is typical of a low yield year. The Santa Lucia Highland spice is noticeable along with the immense depth of black cherry and red cherry fruit. The palate has a weight to it that adds to the structural balance of this wine and keeps it going all the way to the finish. There is a near perfect acid balance that helps the weightier palate maintain its Pinot elegance.
Tondré Chardonnay 2015
Sold Out
This 2015 offering has opulent, bright grapefruit, crisp green apple, with hints of tropical fruit. Although the wine is predominately tank fermented, a small portion (5%) is barrel fermented to add a structured mid palate layer offering just the tiniest bit of oak on the finish. The tremendous fruit quality of the Tondré vineyard shines through on the palate, with hints of a champagne creaminess and toast note. It finishes with clean crisp acidity making it a perfect wine for those light summer seafood dishes.
Tondré Pinot Noir 2014
Sold Out
This 2014 Pinot Noir offering from the Tondré Grapefield offers up a very showy display of bright bing cherry fruit intermingled with black cherries and loganberry. The long term aging in very tight grained Hungarian Oak allows the true pinot fruit to fully develop and shine out without the oak dominating. The palate has subtle oak spicy notes of cinnamon with hints of vanilla.
Tondré Chardonnay 2014
Sold Out
The 2014 Tondré Chardonnay offers up aromatic tropical fruit blended with crisp green apples, which had been a consistent note from this vineyard. The fruit shines through on the palate, which is rich and supple yet still allows the natural acidity to show. As the wine glides across the palate, the fruit gives way to subtle shades of butter and oak, but not excessively so.
Tondré Pinot Noir 2013
Sold Out
The interplay of oak spice, black cherry and red bing cherry fruit is a common characteristic of the Tondré Pinot, and holds true for the 2013 vintage. The now well known, typical aromas of earth and spice, reflective of the Santa Lucia Highlands, shines through, and makes for a wonderful and complex aromatic experience. The palate shows plush velvety tannins and racy spicy characters that mingle with the glorious cherry fruit all the way to the finish.
Tondré Chardonnay 2013
Sold Out
The 2013 Tondré Chardonnay shows a splendid array of aromatic fruit; crisp green apples, D’Anjou pears, honeydew melon and even a slight hint of grapefruit. The palate has a creamy texture with balanced acidity, and the copious opulent fruits linger on the finish. This is a great wine for sipping by itself or pairing with your favorite seafood dish.
Tondré Pinot Noir 2012
Sold Out
Typical Santa Lucia Highlands pinot spiciness mingled with forest floor, earthy tones and just a hint of tobacco. The true pinot black cherry fruit however, comes bursting through these secondary notes and dominates the nose and palate. Hints of red cherries and blackberries linger on the finish where they mingle delightfully with the balanced toasty, smokey oak flavors. The palate is full and juicy, with velvety tannins and just enough acidity to create an elegant mouthfeel from beginning to end.
Tondré Chardonnay 2012
Sold Out
Tropical fruit, gala apples, and a hint of honeydew melon are dominant features of this wine. It is not aged in oak because we wish to allow the full expression of the beautiful fruity characters of this wonderful 2012 Tondré Chardonnay. The palate is clean and crisp with just enough toasty creaminess from the yeast contact. A touch of residual sugar rounds out the palate.
Tondré Pinot Noir 2011
Sold Out
Once again we had yet another long cool growing season in 2011 which resulted in one of the most balanced and structured vintages. This 2011 offering shows an amazing depth of both red and black cherry fruit. The tight grain Hungarian Oak characters are very subtle and integrated with the wine, showing hints of vanilla and cinnamon. The palate is full, soft and round, with elegantly smooth soft tannins that feel like liquid velvet.
Tondré Chardonnay 2011
Sold Out
This 2011 offering is very aromatic. It shows an amazing depth of tropical fruit layered with crisp apples and just a hint of pear. The palate shows crisp acidity which allows the beautiful aromatic fruit to be fully expressed, and finishes with just a hint of fresh spiciness.
Tondré Pinot Noir 2010
Sold Out
Harvested after a very long, cool growing season…it was truly worth waiting for. Lucky enough to be harvested before most of the rains that hit the northern coastal vineyards, the long hang time in the vineyard gave us fruit of exceptional quality. The aromatics of this wine are stunning; glorious red and black cherries in abundance. Subtle hints of vanilla and cinnamon linger on the finish where they intermingle with the obvious pinot cherry fruit. This wine is well structured, balanced and certainly worthy of further bottle aging as any great vintage should be.
Tondré Chardonnay 2010
Sold Out
This is the first offering of chardonnay from our vineyard! We are delighted to be able to share it with you. Tropical and stone fruits are dominant aromatic features, with just a hint of subtle oak to add to complexity. A beautiful mixture of apple, peaches, and pineapple are very apparent on the palate. A pleasant, crisp acid balance with a creamy, almost champagne like finish, make for a delightful refreshing mouth-feel.
Tondré Pinot Noir 2009
Sold Out
2009 is probably one of the best vintages in the last 20 years! The 2009 from Tondré Grapefield is absolutely gorgeous. Loaded with true pinot noir black cherry fruit, aromas of tart red cherries and cola nut. Color in abundance hints at the velvety structure of this wine that will allow it to age for many years to come. The mouth feel is plush, with silky soft tannins and just the right balance of acidity. The black cherries shine through on the palate where they mingle with the obvious Santa Lucia highland spicy characteristics.
Tondré Pinot Noir 2008
Sold Out
The Santa Lucia highlands’ appellation spiciness sits at the core of this 2008 offering of pinot noir from the Tondré Grapefield. It is loaded with tart red cherry and lush black cherry fruit that perfectly blends with toasty, almost smoked oak aromas and flavors. The tannins are silky smooth in this elegant, well-balanced wine. The fruity characteristics are drawn completely through to the finish. Yet again, this vineyard shows its remarkable pedigree from the best of the AVAs.
Tondré Pinot Noir 2007
Sold Out
The 2007 vintage turned out to be a winemaker’s dream come true; we always wish for an extended cool growing season and this year we got it. In practical terms it simply means better balance, fruitier flavors and a mouth watering experience. The 2007 Tondré Pinot shows a tremendous depth of black cherry, tart red bing-cherry fruity flavors, and subtle hints of vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. Layered on top of all this is that wonderful Santa Lucia Highlands spicy-floral character that uniquely marks this premier pinot appellation.
Tondré Pinot Noir 2006
Sold Out
It’s hard to imagine that things could get better after the 2005 vintage, but here is the 2006 and what a show-off it is. Underneath the spicy characters of the Santa Lucia Highlands lies copious amounts of black cherry fruit, layered with tart bing cherries and subtle integrated oak characters of vanilla and nutmeg. The fruity qualities follow through on the palate where they mingles with supple velvety tannins and balanced acidity.
Tondré Pinot Noir 2005
Sold Out
Vintage 2005 was an extraordinary vintage for Pinot Noir in California. The long cool growing season gave us wines that are rich, fruity, spicy and well balanced. This particular offering from the Tondré Grapefield, has a remarkable fruity nose that keeps you coming back for more; tart red cherries, black cherries, hints for raspberries and blackberries can be found in abundance. Subtle oak tones support rather than dominate both the nose and the palate, lending to a very pleasant mid-palate mouthfeel. The Santa Lucia Highlands AVA comes shining through, showing its typical floral and spicy characteristics that set this appellation apart from all others.
Tondré Pinot Noir 2004
Sold Out
The 2004 growing season was beset with wild temperature swings. As harvest began, a high pressure system set in resulting in higher than usual temps. This sparked a rapid rise in sugar and some concern about dehydration. Still, focusing on flavors, we decided to wait until the grapes were fully developed. We were rewarded with a well rounded wine loaded with bright red cherry fruit with the typical Santa Lucia Highlands appellation spice at its core. The 2004 has a medium to full body character. Although soft and supple mouth feel makes it a very drinkable wine now, it will, as always improve with age.
Tondré Pinot Noir 2003
Sold Out
Tondré Grapefield, in the heart of the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, produces wines of immense depth of fruit and character; layers of aromatic bing cherries on top of black cherries is the typical feature. Add the spiciness that typifies this AVA, and age it in tight grain Hungarian Oak to add suppleness to the mid-Palate for 14 -17 months, then all that is superb about Pinot Noir explodes out of the glass.
Interested in Buying Tondré Grapes?
The majority of the fruit grown on Tondre Grapefield is sold to respected vignerons whose high standards align with our Tondre Brand.
From time to time we may have small quantities of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah and Riesling fruit available to those who meet certain requirements and who desire world-class Santa Lucia Highland fruit from our vineyard.
If you would like to be added to our waiting list, you may do so by contacting Joe at: joe@tondrewines.com or (831) 675-3214
Additional information about the vineyard and appellation is available at www.santaluciahighlands.com.
“The Tondré Pinot Noir “Tondré Grapefield” is a classic example of California Pinot Noir”
– Olivia Wu, San Francisco Chronicle
“The Tondré Pinot Noir “Tondré Grapefield” is a classic example of California Pinot Noir”
– Olivia Wu, San Francisco Chronicle
Press & Accolades
Press & Accolades
2024
2023 HARVEST TERROIR CHALLENGE
SONOMA COUNTY
Tondre 2021 Chardonnay
BEST OF CLASS 97 POINTS
BEST OF MONTEREY COUNTY AVA
DOUBLE GOLD
Iconic New World style.
Soft and approachable
Great varietal character
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Tondre 2021 Pinot Noir
Gold
Tondre 2021 Chardonnay
Double Gold
This is the largest competition of North American Wines in the world.
Los Angeles International Wine Competition
Tondre 2021 Pinot Noir
Gold Medal - 91 Points
Tondre 2019 Chardonnay
Gold Medal - 92 Points
Wine Enthusiast
Tondre 2021 Pinot Noir
91 Points
2023
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Tondre 2019 Pinot Noir
Best of Class
Double Gold
This is the largest competition of North American Wines in the world.
San Francisco International Wine Competition
Tondre 2021 Pinot Noir
Gold Medal
Dan Berger's International Wine & Cider Competition
Tondre 2021 Pinot Noir
Triple Gold
2022
San Francisco International Wine Competition
Tondre 2019 Chardonnay
Double Gold
Wine Enthusiast
2020 Tondre Chardonnay
90 Points
2021
Dan Berger International Wine and Cider Competition
2020 Tondre Chardonnay
GOLD Medal
Varietally correct; distinct pear with bright, good, acidity; English hard candies.
2021 Harvest Terroir Challenge Competition
2019 Tondre Pinot Noir
Double Gold
Best of Class - 95 Points
Best of Monterey County
Santa Lucia Highland Appellation
2020 Tondre Chardonnay
Gold
92 Points
2021 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Largest Competition of American Wines
2018 Tondre Pinot Noir
Double Gold
2020
Dan Berger International Wine & Cider Competition
2018 Tondré Pinot Noir
Best of Class
Red Fruits; strawberry; dark fruit component; spice; clove; delicious touch of anise and fennel.
Harvest Terroir Challenge
2018 Tondré Pinot Noir
Double Gold - 95 points
Wine Enthusiast Magazine
2018 Tondré Pinot Noir
93 Points
2018 Tondré Chardonnay
92 Points
2020 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
2016 Tondré Pinot Noir
Gold Best of Class
2018 Tondré Chardonnay
Gold
2019
2019 Dan Berger International Wine & Cider Competition
2016 Tondre Pinot Noir
Triple Gold, Best of Class
2018 Tondré Chardonnay
Gold Medal
2019 Harvest Challenge
2018 Tondré Chardonnay
Double Gold Best of Class – 96 Points
2016 Tondré Tondre Pinot Noir
Double Gold Best of Class – 95 Points
2019 San Francisco International Wine Competition
2016 Tondré Pinot Noir
Tondre Grapefield
Double Gold Medal – 94 Points
Jeb Dunnuck
2015 Tondré Pinot Noir – 90 Points
An outstanding effort, the 2015 Pinot Noir Tondré spent a full 20 months in barrel before bottling, which is almost double the normal élevage of most Pinot Noirs from the Santa Lucia Highlands. It handles it well, offering a big blast of spiced black cherries, cranberries, underbrush, and spicy wood. With medium to full body, a rounded, supple texture, and solid length, drink it any time over the coming 5-6 years.
~ As reviewed by Jeb Dunnuck 2-14-2019
Los Angeles International Wine Competition
2015 Tondré Pinot Noir
Gold Medal – 96 Points
Received Best of Class
2018
Wine Spectator
2014 Tondré Pinot Noir – 91 Points
Tight and zesty, with attractive flavors of loamy earth, forest floor, dried berry, spicy oak and baking spices, clean and long. Drink now through 2025.
~ As reviewed by James Laube
2018 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
2014 Tondré Pinot Noir
This is the largest competition of American Wines in the world.
> Received Best of Class
2017
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
2013 Tondré Pinot Noir
Pale ruby in color, the 2013 Tondré Grapefield Pinot Noir gives up slowly evolving kirsch, cranberry sauce and potpourri notes with hints of cinnamon stick and fallen leaves. Medium-bodied with lovely perfumed red berry preserves, flavors textured by silky tannins, it has plenty of freshness and very good length.
> Received 90 Points
2014 Tondré Chardonnay
The 2014 Tondré Grapefield Chardonnay opens with wonderfully expressive ripe peach, pineapple and pink grapefruit notes with hints of brioche, beeswax and marzipan. Medium-bodied, it fills the palate with citrus and stone fruit flavors, supported by racy acid and a satiny texture, finishing on a compelling savory note.
> Received 92 Points
2014 Tondré Pinot Noir
Pale ruby-purple colored, the 2014 Tondré Grapefield Pinot Noir has a delicate perfume of cranberries, red cherries and violets with hints of forest floor and fungi. Medium-bodied and elegantly played in the mouth. It has a fine-grained backbone and great freshness supporting the perfumed red berry flavors, finishing on an earthy note.
> Received 90 Points
~ As reviewed by Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Los Angeles International Wine Competition
2014 Tondré Pinot Noir
The 2014 Tondré Pinot Noir was #6 out of 3,002 wines from 991 producers around the globe, and #3 from all Pinots submitted for evaluation.
> Received Best of Class
> Received Gold Medal
> Received 98 Points
2014 Tondré Chardonnay
> Received Gold Medal
> Received 95 Points
Central Coast Wine Competition
2013 Tondré Pinot Noir
The largest wine evaluation event that recognizes wines produced exclusively from vinafera grown on the Central Coast region of California.
> Received Best of Class
> Received Gold Medal
2013 Tondré Chardonnay
> Received Silver Medal
Sunset Wine Magazine Competition
2013 Tondré Pinot Noir
Appearing in the October 2017 issue
> Received Silver Medal
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
2014 Tondré Pinot Noir
Appearing in the October 2017 issue
> Received Gold Medal
2013 Tondré Chardonnay
> Received Silver Medal
2016
Wine Enthusiast Magazine
2013 Tondré Pinot Noir
> Received 93 Points
2013 Tondré Chardonnay
> Received 91 Points
Dan Berger International Wine Competition
2013 Tondré Pinot Noir
The 2014 Tondré Pinot Noir was #6 out of 3,002 wines from 991 producers around the globe, and #3 from all Pinots submitted for evaluation.
> Received Best of Show Red
> Received Best of Class
> Received Chairman's Award
San Francisco Chronicle Competition
Sonnet 2013 “Tondré Grapefield” Pinot Noir
The 2014 Tondré Pinot Noir was #6 out of 3,002 wines from 991 producers around the globe, and #3 from all Pinots submitted for evaluation.
> Received Best of Show
Los Angeles International Wine Competition
2012 Tondré Pinot Noir
> Received 93 Points
> Received Gold Medal
2013 Tondré Pinot Noir
> Received 92 Points
> Received Gold Medal
2013 Sonnet Cellars Tondré Grapefields Pinot Noir
> Red Sweepstake Winner
> Red Best In Show
2012 Tondré Chardonnay
> Received Double Gold Medal
2014
Vineyard & Winery Management 2014 Grand Harvest Awards
2011 Tondré Pinot Noir
> Received Best in Class
> Received Gold Medal
2012 Tondré Chardonnay
> Received Double Gold Medal
San Francisco International Wine Competition
2011 Tondré Pinot Noir
The 2014 Tondré Pinot Noir was #6 out of 3,002 wines from 991 producers around the globe, and #3 from all Pinots submitted for evaluation.
> Received Silver Medal
Wine Enthusiast Magazine
2012 Tondré Chardonnay
> Chosen as Cellar’s Selection
> Received 91 Points
2011 Tondré Pinot Noir
> Received 91 Points
Wine and Spirits Magazine
2011 Tondré Pinot Noir
> Received 91 Points
Grand Harvest Award Competition
2010 Tondré Pinot Noir
> Received Silver Medal
2013
Los Angeles International Wine Competition
2010 Tondré Pinot Noir
> Received Silver Medal
2010 Tondré Chardonnay
> Received Silver Medal
Riverside International Wine Competition
2010 Tondré Pinot Noir
> Received Gold Medal
2012
Appellation America
2009 Tondré Pinot Noir
"Its medium garnet color hints at the considerable aromatic development this finely-constructed gem displays just three years after its vintage. The expected SLH dried orange peel and spiced cherry signature aromas are now carried by a symphony of seductive nougat, cinnamon, smoked sage and toffee bouquet elements. The structure is silky and warm, with a rich, oily texture that coats the mouth with exotic perfumes, stonefruit and savory spices. Carries its 14.8 alcohol seamlessly, with a long, graceful finish."
> Best of Appellation
> Received Double Gold Medal
2010 Tondré Chardonnay
“Classic rum and citrus peel aromatics typical of SLH are achieved in this cool vintage at a lower alcohol than customary, resulting in a dense, full-bodied palate with no heat or bitterness in the finish. Full ML creates a rich butterscotch impression which displays balanced acidity, creating a mouth-watering explosion of flavors which conclude with a lingering note of spiced tangerine. Excellent for chicken or grilled swordfish.”
> Best of Appellation
> Received Double Gold Medal
Wine Enthusiast Magazine
2010 Debut Tondré Chardonnay
> Chosen as Editor's Choice
> Received 92 Points
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
2009 Tondré Pinot Noir
> Received Gold Medal
an Francisco International Wine Competition
2009 Tondré Pinot Noir
> Received Gold Medal
2011
Appellation America
2008 Tondré Pinot Noir
> Best of Appellation
> Received Double Gold Medal
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
2008 Tondré Pinot Noir
> Received Gold Medal
Wine Enthusiast Magazine
2008 Tondré Pinot Noir
> Received 91 Points
San Francisco International Wine Competition
2009 Tondré Pinot Noir
> Received Gold Medal
2010
Wine Enthusiast Magazine
2007 Tondré Pinot Noir
> Grand Harvest Award
> Received 90 Points
Appellation America
2007 Tondré Pinot Noir
> Received Gold Medal
> Received Best of Appellation
Riverside International Wine Competition
2007 Tondré Pinot Noir
> Received Gold Medal
> Unanimous Chairman’s Award
2008
Appellation America
2006 Tondré Pinot Noir
> Received Gold Medal
> Received Best of Appellation
2007
Appellation America
2004 Tondré Pinot Noir
> Received Gold Medal
> Received Best of Appellation
San Francisco Chronicle / SFGate.com
2004 Tondré Pinot Noir
“The Tondré Pinot Noir “Tondré Grapefield” is a classic example of California Pinot Noir…”
~ As reviewed by Jeb Dunnuck 2-14-2019
Appellation America
TOP TEN WINE LIST for 2006
2003 Tondré Pinot Noir
Appellation America is the premier online wine portal focusing on the wines, wine regions and winemakers of North America.
Tondré 2003 Pinot wins top ten placement.
2006
Wine Enthusiast Magazine
2004 Tondré Pinot Noir
“Santa Lucia fruit that’s so massive that it stuns.”
- Wine Review from Steve Heimoff with 90 point rating.
Appellation America
2003 Tondré Pinot Noir
“All the Tondré Grapefield Pinots I’ve tasted have a ripeness and intensity that’s typical of the appellation, but they never stray from their essential Pinot-ness.”
~ Wine Recommendations” reviewed by Laurie Daniel wine columnist for San Jose Mercury News.
San Francisco Chronicle
2003 Tondré Pinot Noir
“Intertwined bands of baking spice, espresso and black pepper run through this wine, adding complexity to the opulently ripe fruit (black cherry and blackberry). Silky in texture, it finishes with tangy dried cherry and firm acidity.”
- The Chronicle’s Wine Selections review Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir Two and half Stars out of Four.
Long Beach Grand Cru
2006 Tondré Pinot Noir
> Received Silver Medal
National Women’s Wine Competition
2006 Tondré Pinot Noir
> Received Silver Medal
2006
Wine Enthusiast Magazine
2004 Tondré Pinot Noir
“Santa Lucia fruit that’s so massive that it stuns.”
- Wine Review from Steve Heimoff with 90 point rating.
Appellation America
2003 Tondré Pinot Noir
“All the Tondré Grapefield Pinots I’ve tasted have a ripeness and intensity that’s typical of the appellation, but they never stray from their essential Pinot-ness.”
~ Wine Recommendations” reviewed by Laurie Daniel wine columnist for San Jose Mercury News.
San Francisco Chronicle
2003 Tondré Pinot Noir
“Intertwined bands of baking spice, espresso and black pepper run through this wine, adding complexity to the opulently ripe fruit (black cherry and blackberry). Silky in texture, it finishes with tangy dried cherry and firm acidity.”