VINEYARD Bentrock, Francesca’s, Mt. Carmel, Radian, John Sebastiano, Hilliard Bruce
FERMENTATION 63% stainless steel open tops, 17% concrete, 4% wood open tops, 10% whole cluster
OAK 17% new French oak for 14 months, 8% wood tank for 4 months, 2% new Austrian oak for 14 months
ALCOHOL 14.1%
pH 3.54
TA 5.7 g/L
AROMA
Bright fruits highlighted by fresh strawberry, red cherry, and cranberry, accentuated by fresh basil and a hint of pot de crème.
PALATE
Focused, linear entry, with a subtle yet excellent tension.
With idyllic weather from start to finish, 2018 was one of the finest growing seasons of the past decade. Each wine within the Appellation Series embodies the unique qualities we cherish from the regions we work with.
A microclimate that began a mere 20 million years ago, is nothing short of a miracle. Tectonic plate movements over the years caused mountains to rise out of the ocean, break off the plate and rotate clockwise creating one of the most defined, transverse ranges on the Pacific Coast. Remnants of marine sediment deposited during the Miocene Epoch is the base of the soil found here with the added element of elevated calcium. But what makes this area truly unique is the purely East/West maritime mouth that funnels cooling coastal fog, and wind to the vines. One of the smaller AVAs in California, Sta. Rita Hills is one of the world’s best cool-climate growing regions of Pinot Noir.
Sta. Rita Hill’s 2018 growing season was long and provided ripe stems which allowed us to incorporate more whole cluster within our smaller lots. This technique provided structure and depth to the vibrant fruit profile. This wine is focused, with bright strawberry and cherry notes and a subtle, pleasing tension.
Fact of Note: Ripened and harvested west to east.
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.
