Winemaker Notes
The 2022 Rusack Santa Barbara Pinot Noir is a wonderful expression of what the area's cooler climate wines can be. Packed with bright juicy notes of strawberries, raspberries, and caramel, this wine also has hints of orange meringue. Firm acidity and an elegant balance make for a very approachable, food-friendly wine.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
A savory note runs through the core of blood orange and mulled raspberry fruit in this red, which ends with a dash of incense on the silky finish. Drink now through 2028. 743 cases made.
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Wine Enthusiast
Pleasant aromas of strawberry, raspberry and light mint show on the nose of this bottling. The palate is straightforward with red fruit and light spice flavors that sit atop a softer texture.
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.
CWL21212922_2022 Item# 1808114