2023 Rancho la Viña Vineyard Pinot Noir
2023 Rancho la Viña Vineyard Pinot Noir
New Release! Our latest bottling from this rising star of the Sta. Rita Hills.
Description
If one wanted to sum up this Pinot Noir in a single word, that word would be “red”. From its lustrous ruby-red color to aromas and flavors dominated by red fruits, Rancho la Viña is red wine through and through. Raspberries, cherries and pomegranates come spilling out of the glass, along with hints of mushrooms and cola. Soft tannins and lovely acidity tie the whole package together. Pair with a goat cheese and sun-dried tomato pizza, or let it age for increased complexity and enjoyment.
Vineyard Notes
This remarkable vineyard is located at the far western edge on the south side of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. The 17-acre site was planted in 2005 on a gently sloped mesa, which is several hundred feet above the valley floor. The vines are fully exposed to the cool winds coming off the Pacific Ocean, making it one of the coldest Pinot Noir plantings in California. The block used for Ken Brown Wines is planted to Pinot Noir clone 115.
Production Notes
Sta. Rita Hills experienced an unusually cold growing season in 2023. Heavy winter rains delayed budbreak significantly, and cool summer weather led to slow ripening and a later harvest. The Pinot Noir harvest started in late September and continued well into October. The long hang time encouraged excellent flavor development, complexity and concentration. Grapes for this wine were picked on September 29th and October 3rd.
Winemaker Notes
Pinot Noir clusters for this wine were hand sorted before being de-stemmed and gravity fed to fermenters. The must was prepared for a pre-fermentation cold soak where the most beneficial extraction of color, aroma and flavor occurs. While fermenting with native yeasts, concentration was enhanced by gently punching down the cap a few times per day. The wine aged on its lees for 18 months in 33% new French oak barrels and was bottled unfined and unfiltered on April 24th. 2025.
| Vintage |
2023 |
| Wine Style |
Red Wine |
| Varietal |
100% Pinot Noir |
| Appellation |
Sta. Rita Hills |
| Harvest Date |
September 29th-October 3rd, 2023 |
| Acid |
6.2 g/l |
| PH |
3.44 |
| Bottling Date |
April 24th, 2025 |
| Alcohol % |
13.6 |
| Size |
750 ml |
