Winemaker Notes
Dark purple in color with aromas of ripe raspberries and spicy herbs, the ‘21 is viscous and supple. The mouthfeel expresses vibrant flavors of strawberry, rhubarb and black cherry, while tannins are plush, smooth and balanced by vibrant acidity.
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
This is a ripe, full-throttle, dark-toned, mineral-driven Pinot Noir from Sta. Rita Hills by Napa superstar Maayan Koschitzky. Medium- to full-bodied, with fleshy cherry and spiced plum fruits, tinged with toffee and espresso bean nuances, flinty minerality, and flamed grapefruit peel on the vibrant, energetic finish. Aged for 14 months in 60% new French oak. Unfined and unfiltered. This wine is a collaboration between vintner David Green and winemaker Maayan Koschitzky (also the Director of Winemaking at Atelier Melka).
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Tasting Panel
So ethereal as to cushion the palate with flavors of strawberries pulled from sweet soil. Cinnamon and a pinch of white pepper accent this delicate soul, which unfolds with focused acidity.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Light ruby-hued, the 2021 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills offers a solid mix of savory cherry, framboise, and red currant-like fruit as well as some loamy earth, rose, and orange blossom-like nuances. Playing in the medium-bodied, mid-weight, yet elegant and seamless end of the spectrum, it's perfect for enjoying over the coming 4-6 years or so.
Santa Maria Valley lies mainly in northern Santa Barbara County, with a small portion of it overlapping southern San Luis Obispo County. It is close to the Pacific, and runs east-west, which means warmer air in the eastern end draws cool air off the ocean in the west, and brings it through the valley. This effect, combined with abundant sunshine, lengthens the growing season. The longer growing season leads to long hang time, which promotes both ripeness and optimal acidity levels in grape berries. As early as the 1970’s, Santa Maria Valley was recognized as being a superior source of wine grapes, certainly including Chardonnay and Syrah. But arguably the top variety here is Pinot Noir.
Originally a domain primarily of growers, including the Miller Family of the justifiably famous Bien Nacido Vineyard, this AVA is now home to over 30 wineries. Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir consistently offers full flavors of cherry, strawberry and raspberry, often accompanied by notes of spice, cola, vanilla and earth. They show impressive balance and elegance, as well as great versatility with food.