Winemaker Notes
The fruit for 2021 Highliner came from 5 different vineyards with the majority sourced from the iconic Sanford & Benedict Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. All vineyards and clones are harvested and produced separately using traditional burgundian techniques. 20 months barrel age in French oak along with masterful blending, brought all the elements to a harmonious whole.
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.