Winemaker Notes
The 2019 ‘Fiddlestix Vineyard’ Pinot Noir reveals a profound, ruby-red hue, characteristic of its intense concentration. The nose greets with a captivating blend of red fruits, exotic spices, and earthy nuances, reflecting the unique, marine-influenced terroir of the Sta. Rita Hills. The full-bodied palate unveils layers of vibrant cherry, wild berries, and a touch of cranberry, harmoniously balanced by subtle hints of vanilla and warm spices. This complex Pinot Noir mirrors the exceptional quality and viticultural excellence synonymous with the legendary Fiddlestix Vineyard.
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2021 Pinot Noir Fiddlestix Vineyard is a new estate wine from Tyler, which purchased the iconic vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills in 2021. It has deep scents of cranberry sauce and red cherry preserves with accents of bergamot, allspice, autumn leaves and damp earth. The medium-bodied palate is powerful yet seamless, its concentrated, layered fruit framed by velvety tannins, and it has a fan of spicy accents across the long finish. Structurally harmonious, it will mature gracefully in bottle over the next 10-15 years.
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.