2011 FE CIEGA PINOT NOIR

Sta. Rita Hills

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As you know from my recent comments I am enchanted by the 2011 wines we made. It was hard to imagine anything better than 2010, but 2011 gave us the combination of a cool growing season with incredibly low yields. This produced wines with amazing concentration and freshness—and nowhere is the quality of the vintage more evident than at Fe Ciega.

Winemaker Rick Longoria lovingly farms this terrific site and generously allows us to purchase a small portion of his vineyard’s production. Rick and I agree that there is only a moment in time when the character of the vineyard fully expresses itself. Picked a couple of days too soon or too late and all is lost. The raw material here at Fe Ciega is so interesting–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, deeply colored and dense, it is not particularly fruity—this is a wine that speaks of its earthy origins!

Blend: 100% Pinot Noir | Alcohol: 13.4% | Vinification: 30% New French Oak | Barrel Aging: 15 Months | Total Production: 204 cases

Press Reviews

Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar

“Bright ruby-red.  Vibrant, intensely perfumed aromas of raspberry, cherry-cola and floral oils are accented with a note of white pepper.  Sharply delineated and sweet in the mouth, with strong, floral raspberry liqueur and bitter cherry flavors.  The juicy, persistent finish builds in sweetness, with silky tannins and excellent depth of flavor.” – JR 93 Points

Antonio Galloni’s Vinous

“The 2011 Pinot Noir Fe Ciega Vineyard is wonderfully supple, generous and resonant. Dark red cherry, plum, cola and spices meld together in an open, generous Pinot with tons of near-term appeal. This is a gorgeous, expressive Pinot from Ojai.” – AG 92 Points

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“Showing more tension and energy, the 2011 Pinot Noir Fe Ciega Vineyard is a knockout effort in the lineup. Layered with Asian spice, black cherries, mint, underbrush and crushed flower like aromas and flavors, this beauty hits the palate with medium to full-bodied, layered, elegant and beautifully balanced profile that has nothing out of place, integrated acidity and sound underlying structure. Given the overall balance and purity, it’s certainly accessible now, but will no doubt evolve gracefully for up to a decade.” – JD 93 Points