VINEYARD Rita’s Crown, Sta. Rita Hills AVA
CLONES 828, 667
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Shedd silty clay loam, diatomaceous earth
FERMENTATION 46% Concrete Tank Ferment, 54% Oak Tank Ferment
ÉLEVAGE 39% new French oak for 17 months, then 100% of the blend was aged for 1 month in stainless steel.
ALCOHOL 13.8%
pH 3.58
TA 5.3 g/L
AROMA
A refined bouquet of black cherry and ripe cranberry unfolds in layers, lifted by intriguing mineral nuances and a subtle hint of vanilla.
PALATE
Seamless and poised, with dark fruit framed by alluring dark spice, this wine finishes harmoniously and long, with polished structure.
Among Pinot aficionados, Rita’s Crown is one of the most impressive vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills. Planted in 2007 and recognized 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 2023 Rita’s Crown Pinot Noir reveals a refined bouquet of black raspberry and ripe cranberry layered with intriguing mineral nuances and a subtle hint of watermelon. Seamless and poised, with dark fruit framed by alluring dark spice, this wine finishes harmoniously and long, with polished structure.
Fact of Note: Shortest fermentation with only 11 days on skins.
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.
With soaring aromas and pure, exquisite flavors, these are incredible wines from a not-to-be-missed vintage.
– Julien Howsepian
