Nose
Bright red cherry and red currant fruit, a touch of sweet spice, and savory notes of tobacco and coffee.
Palate
The palate is of moderate weight, with a complex interaction of fruit, savory flavors and balanced textures that guide the palate from entry through to its refreshing finish.
Growing Conditions
Planted by Richard Sanford in 2001, it is located about seven miles from the Pacific in the cool-climate Sta. Rita Hills AVA, a rare east/west facing valley that is directly open to the fog and cold marine winds from the Pacific. The vineyard is located on a mostly north-facing ridge, which gives the Pinot fruit a fresh, cool-climate character. The region’s characteristic long growing season gives ample maturity and depth, producing a wine of unique character and balance with a true sense of place.
Bottling
Bottling date April 2016. The separate cuvées were blended shortly before bottling without filtration.
Winemaking
On arrival at the winery, the fruit from each block was partially destemmed (85%) into separate one-ton fermenters and cold-soaked for five days before the native yeast fermentation began. During fermentation, each fermenter was hand-punched twice a day. At dryness, the free-run wine from each tank was barreled down separately
Aging
Aged for ten months in French oak barrels (35% new) without racking or fining.
Food Pairing
It pairs nicely with dishes that speak loudly through a simplicity of ingredients, from roasted chicken with herbs and garlic to grilled lamb chops prepared with salt, pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice.
