VINEYARD Mt. Carmel
CLONES Pommard, 667
ORIENTATION East/West
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Limestone, Botella Clay
FERMENTATION 81% stainless steel / 16% whole cluster / 9% wood
OAK 35% new French oak for 22 months / 19% new Austrian oak
ALCOHOL 13.3%
pH 3.57
TA 5.7 g/L
AROMA
Rush of bright cherry and strawberry, complemented by a hint of dark chocolate, Herbes de Provence and dried basil.
PALATE
Concentrated and deep, with refined tannins, and a seamless richness that finishes light on the palate.
Planted in 1989, on steep and rugged land surrounding an abandoned Carmelite monastery, Mt. Carmel was one of the first vineyards planted in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. Just 50 miles northwest of Santa Barbara, California, the historic 24-acre vineyard consists of primarily dry-farmed, heritage Chardonnay and Pinot Noir clones. With a unique soil composition, the wines produced from the Mt. Carmel vineyard are strikingly exquisite. By fermenting in mostly French oak and concrete tanks, coupled with extended barrel aging to integrate tannins, we were able to craft a bright and uplifting Pinot with concentration, exceptional depth, and structural complexity.
Fact of Note: Extended time in barrel to integrate tannins.
THE STA. RITA HILLS IS located between the towns of Buellton and Lompoc in Santa Barbara County. A critical component for this region’s success is its cool climate and the purely East/West mountain range, whose maritime mouth funnels coastal fog and wind to the vines. This unique orientation, coupled with exceptional Botella clay and limestone soils, produces wines that are as focused and bright as they are alluring.
Before you hit the Sta. Rita Hills, stretch your legs and explore the various hotels, restaurants, parks, and shops of the quaint town of Buellton. Now famous after making its silver screen debut in the movie Sideways, you can relive the film by visiting one of the many charming eateries and must-go spots when in the area.
