2018 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
2018 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
A beautiful overview of Sta. Rita Hills combining Pinot Noir from four outstanding vineyards. Vivid fruit aromatics and a rich profile.
Description
This wine is a superb representation of Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir featuring vivid fruit aromatics and a rich profile. Aromas of ripe red cherry and strawberry-rhubarb are highlighted by hints of chanterelle mushroom, white pepper and clove. On the palate, hints of raspberry, strawberry jam and forest floor give way to a velvety mid-palate and lush, lingering finish with a touch of baking spices. Soft tannins and a balanced acid profile make this wine ready to drink now, though it will continue to develop with additional time in the cellar.
Vineyard Notes
62% Rio Vista, 19% Zotovich, 14% Rancho La Viña, and 5% Sanford & Benedict.
This wine is a beautiful overview of the Sta. Rita Hills, combining Pinot Noir from across the temperature zones of the appellation. Rio Vista Vineyard represents the eastern end of the appellation where temperatures are slightly warmer. The rest of the vineyards sourced for this wine are located further west in the heart of Sta. Rita Hills’ cool Pinot Noir zone. Marine winds and coastal fog combined with lean soils make Sta. Rita Hills ideal for the cultivation of world class Pinot Noir.
Production Notes
The 2018 vintage was our latest harvest since 2012. Late rains in March were well-timed and budbreak occurred about two weeks later than recent averages. Temperatures throughout the spring and summer remained cool. Nighttime temperatures were consistently chilly as well, in the low to mid-50s, ideal for retaining the natural acidity in the grapes. Canopies were healthy and well positioned to go the distance to ripen the fruit. Berries were small, and yields were customarily low, resulting in excellent concentration and intensity in the fruit.
Winemaker Notes
Pinot Noir clusters for this wine 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 10 months in French oak barrels with 24% new French oak and was bottled on August 20, 2019.
| Vintage |
2018 |
| Wine Style |
Red Wine |
| Varietal |
100% Pinot Noir |
| Appellation |
Sta. Rita Hills |
| Acid |
5.9 g/L |
| PH |
3.69 |
| Alcohol % |
14.1% |
| Size |
750 ml |
