(French for Two Soils)
Three winemakers, two French and one Californian, bring together their unique terroirs and winemaking techniques in this Burgundy-style blend. Roger Belland and daughter, Julie, (of Domaine Roger Belland) are fifth and sixth generation winemakers who work intensively in the vineyard to achieve maximum expression of terroir in their rare wines. Jennifer Tensley’s Lea Wines are bright, balanced, fruit-forward creations driven by a desire to “bring the vineyard to the glass.” In Deux Terres two different soils and two similar winemaking philosophies come together to create a truly groundbreaking experience.
The idea for Deux Terres was born when Jennifer and Joey Tensley visited Roger and Julie at their Domaine. After tasting the wines and discussing winemaking techniques and philosophies, it was clear Jennifer and the Bellands were very like-minded. Joey and Cecile Dusserre of Domaine de Montvac already had a successful trans-Atlantic venture called Détente (50% Vacqueyras and 50% Colson Canyon Syrah). Jennifer and Joey proposed that Lea Wines and Domaine Roger Belland do the same with Pinot Noir.
The Deux Terres is made up of 50% 2009 Lea Turner Vineyard Pinot Noir (92 points, Wine Spectator Insider) and 50% 2009 Domaine Roger Belland Santenay-Commes Premier Cru. Both vineyards are in excellent growing regions for Pinot Noir. The Turner Vineyard sits in the ideally ocean-influenced hills of California’s Sta. Rita Hills appellation while the 35-year-old vines of the renowned Santenay-Commes Vineyard grow on a steep slope in a very warm and favorable microclimate. What surprises many who taste this blend is the strong to slightly dominant presence of the Burgundy. From the first hints of red fruits and earth on the nose to the silky texture and notes of minerality in the mouth Santenay-Commes makes its presence known . The Lea Turner balances out the blend with floral aromatics, bright notes of wild cherries and berries, and a velvety texture that gives the wine a round mouthfeel and a long, lush finish.
Price: $45.00 // Wine Club Price: $38.25 // Cases: 100