Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This is one of the more elegant and satisfyingly dark expressions of Pinot Noir in its price range, starting with aromas of sugarplum, hibiscus, dark berries, crushed slate and moist earth. The palate combines rose petals, baked boysenberry and dark cocoa with a strong streak of earthy minerality, all upheld by chalky tannins.
Editors' Choice -
Wine Spectator
Exotic and enticing, with notes of cola and orange pekoe tea accenting the fruitcake and dried berry flavors. The spicy finish lingers, offering hints of chocolate and coffee. Drink now through 2022.
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”
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.