Winemaker Notes
This beautifully structured, multi-dimensional Pinot Noir offers vibrant aromas of juicy plum, red cherry and boysenberry complemented by hints of shiitake mushroom and rhubarb. The texture is rich and round with dark plum and dried cherry flavors enhanced by a touch of wild game, cinnamon and dark chocolate on the finish. The wine’s authentic fruit expression, gentle tannins and bright acidity profile assure graceful development and superb cellar potential.
Professional Ratings
-
Wine Enthusiast
Boysenberry jam aromas are cut by fennel and roasted wood on the nose of this bottling from a vineyard that Ken Brown helped plan out. Chalky tannins frame the bold palate, where black cherry, cola, toasted sagebrush and oak flavors mesh into a bold display.
Thin-skinned, finicky and temperamental, Pinot Noir is also one of the most rewarding grapes to grow and remains a labor of love for some of the greatest vignerons in Burgundy. Fairly adaptable but highly reflective of the environment in which it is grown, Pinot Noir prefers a cool climate and requires low yields to achieve high quality. Outside of France, outstanding examples come from in Oregon, California and throughout specific locations in wine-producing world. Somm Secret—André Tchelistcheff, California’s most influential post-Prohibition winemaker decidedly stayed away from the grape, claiming “God made Cabernet. The Devil made Pinot Noir.”
A superior source of California Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills is the coolest, westernmost sub-region of the larger Santa Ynez Valley appellation within Santa Barbara County. This relatively new AVA is unquestionably one to keep an eye on.
The climate of Sta. Rita Hills is a natural match for Chardonnay and Pinot noir, thanks to the crisp ocean breezes and well-drained, limestone-rich calcareous soil. Here, grapes ripen just enough, while retaining brisk acidity and harmonious balance.