Winemaker Notes
Medium ruby in color, this Pinot Noir has ripe aromas of plum and black cherry highlighted by blueberry jam and notes of sandalwood and fine Italian leather. Aged in French oak barrels, 10% of which were new, for 50 months this wine is expansive on the palate, with all the aromatics coming through in the mouth. Finely structured with firm, yet silky, tannins and a long, lingering finish.
Pinot Noir is the second-most planted grape in Santa Barbara County, just behind Chardonnay. It thrives in cooler areas of the region, namely in the of the Sta. Rita Hills, which is part of Santa Barbara’s larger Santa Ynez Valley sub-appellation. Thought for decades to be too cool for viticulture, Sta. Rita Hills began to gain notoriety in the 1970’s, thanks to the pioneering work of Richard Sandford and Michael Benedict, among others.
Santa Barbara Pinot Noir dances across the palate with vivid red fruit and spice. Precision, bright acidity, elegance and fruit-driven silkiness make Santa Barbara Pinot delightfully enjoyable, whether on their own or with a variety of dishes.
WWH130460_2009 Item# 145393