As history and legend purport, the Wrotham clone was discovered near Wrotham Village in southeast England; the cuttings were introduced there by the Romans some 2,000 years ago. The Wrotham clone produces a uniquely rich color and a spicy character not often found in other Pinot Noir wines. In 1980, Dick Peterson brought the first and only Wrotham cuttings back to California and planted them in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA just south of Monterey Bay. This region boasts a cool climate and one of the longest growing seasons in California.

Dick Peterson has been an innovator in the California wine industry since the 1960s. As a young man, he produced novel products such as the first wine cooler for Seagrams and Gallo's Hearty Burgundy. He was pivotal to the success of a portfolio of wineries, including Beaulieu Vineyards with Andre Tchelistcheff, the Monterey Vineyard, Atlas Peak Vineyards and Folie à Deux Winery. 

The 2021 Pinot Noir is bright, punchy and super-expressive. As always, Richard Peterson's Pinot is one of the most floral, restrained wines in the Santa Luca Highlands. There's terrific energy and plenty of verve that give this deceptively mid-weight, nuanced Pinot a good deal of vibrancy. Crushed red berry fruit, kirsch, rose petal, mint and white pepper linger on the translucent finish."
- Antonio Galloni 93