VINEYARD Rita’s Crown, Sta. Rita Hills AVA
CLONES 828
ORIENTATION North / East
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Sandy/clay loams and calcareous
FERMENTATION 100% stainless steel, 15% whole cluster
ÉLEVAGE 45% new French oak for 16 months, 33% new Austrian oak for 16 months
ALCOHOL 14.1%
pH 3.59
TA 5.64 g/L
AROMA
Intriguing and unusually complex. Rich dark fruits with herbal forest floor notes.
PALATE
Round and luscious, with perfectly woven tannins and richness. Layered and decadent.
We are thrilled to welcome the 2019 Rita’s Crown, Sta. Rita Hills, Pinot Noir to our hallmark Fall Offering. Planted in 2007 and observed as the highest vineyard site of the appellation, Rita’s Crown is predominantly south facing and boasts intensely high elevations and slope, allowing the vines to receive an extraordinary amount of sunshine and coastal wind. This, combined with the region’s typical diatomaceous earth, adds distinct intensity to the fruit.
Rita’s Crown is intriguing and unusually complex, featuring a dichotomy of flavor. Rich dark fruits and herbal forest floor notes combine to showcase a round and luscious palate of appealing texture. Layered, elegant, and decadent, it’s a wine with true soul.
Fact of Note: Rita’s Crown is the most exposed vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills to Mother Nature.
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.
