Sta. Rita Hilla
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This is serious stuff. And over the last few vintages the wines from this vineyard have only gotten better. There is so much of interest in the raw material here at Fe Ceiga. It has the acidity that is needed for good balance and it possesses a unique vineyard personality that is intriguing. While it is always fruit filled, it is not particularly fruity—this is a wine that speaks of its earthy origins. Paying attention to what this vineyard gives has enabled me to fine tune the winemaking to get the most out of this site. This is the sixth Fe Ciega we have made and I’ve noticed that the vintages that we have picked riper fruit haven’t been better. We made more intensely flavored wines, but they suffered from heaviness. Also, because this vineyard produces such strong flavored wines, we have found a more gentle extraction of these flavors during fermentation has made for a more elegant expression. We have discovered that punching down the cap (mixing the skins with the juice) less frequently towards the end of fermentation gives us less clunky tannins. And that is what we have in 2008, a delicate, nuanced wine that has an incredible backbone of power.
Blend: 100% Pinot Noir | Alc: 14.0% | Vinification: 30% New French Oak | Barrel Aging: 14 Months | Total Production: 273 cases
Press Reviews
Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar
“Bright ruby. Extremely sexy on the nose, which displays scents of red and dark berry preserves, potpourri, star anise and minerals. Lively and precise, with sweet raspberry and blackberry flavors and a strong floral quality that gains strength with air. Pure, highly aromatic and persistent, with lingering notes of red fruits and spices.” – JR 93 Points
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“The 2008 Pinot Noir Fe Ciega, from a tiny vineyard in Santa Rita Hills, shows off a round, juicy personality laced with sweet red cherries. It is a highly expressive wine with gorgeous pliancy and depth, not to mention terrific overall balance.” – AG 92 Points