VINEYARD Rita’s Crown, Sta. Rita Hills AVA
CLONES 828, 667
ORIENTATION North / East
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Sandy/clay loams and diatomaceous earth
FERMENTATION 70% wood, 30% concrete
ÉLEVAGE 41% new French oak for 16 months, 20% wood cask for 16 months, 10% new Austrian oak for 16 months, prior to bottling aged 100% stainless steel for one month
ALCOHOL 13.5%
pH 3.42
TA 6.19 g/L
AROMA
Cherry and floral notes open to stunning red and black fruit with hints of pluot, black currant, and baking spices.
PALATE
Deeply dark and alluring with elongated fine-grained tannins. Tantalizing violet notes deliver an extraordinarily long and worthwhile finish.
Among Pinot aficionados, Rita’s Crown is quickly gaining acclaim as one of the most impressive vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills. Planted in 2007 and observed as the highest vineyard site of the appellation, Rita’s Crown is predominantly south-facing and boasts intensely high elevation and slope, allowing the vines to receive a tremendous amount of sunshine and coastal wind. Additionally, the steep, hillside vineyard was planted using high-density spacing and is organically farmed. This, combined with the region’s typical diatomaceous earth, adds distinct intensity to the fruit.
The Rita’s Crown Pinot Noir is a beautifully dark and alluring wine that draws you in with aromas of brandied Morello cherry and wildflowers. On the palate, supple, fine-grained tannins and zesty acidity add poise and purity to the ripe red and black fruit, with tantalizing hints of violet, adding to a long, mesmerizing finish.
Fact of Note: The majority of this blend is from the 828 clone.
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.
