Comprised of 56% Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir (28% Rio Vista, 22% Ampelos and 6% Babcock Vineyard), and 44% Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir (Bien Nacido Vineyard), this wine combines the finest attributes from each of Santa Barbara County’s acclaimed Pinot Noir appellations. Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir brings exceptional texture and complexity to the blend, while fruit from Santa Rita Hills contributes beautiful dark berry fruit and firm structure. Both appellations offer a cool, marine microclimate and well drained, low nutrient soils.

In the cellar, grape clusters were hand sorted before being de-stemmed and gravity fed to fermenters. The must was immediately chilled for a pre-fermentation cold soak where the most beneficial extraction of color, aroma and flavor occurs. During fermentation, concentration was enhanced by gently punching down the cap several times per day. The wine aged eight months in French oak barrels with 33% new French oak.

Fresh aromas of black cherry and dark plum are accented by a touch of cinnamon, nutmeg and subtle French oak. An elegant texture is supported by smooth, graceful tannins and rich fruit flavors, including black cherry and wild blackberry. The wine culminates in a lush, clean finish.