Santa Barbara County
Since 2005 we have been experimenting with when to pick our pinot noir. I slowly realized we were missing something if the fruit got too ripe. Yes, riper fruit produces bigger, thicker wines but at the expense of aroma and freshness, and aroma is what pinot noir is all about. That realization was reinforced in 2010 and 2011 when the weather forced our hand and we harvested all of our fruit at lower sugar levels. The result from those two unusual years was a revelation—the pinot noirs were so lively and had extraordinarily perfumed aromas. We felt compelled to repeat what had learned in those years and carefully harvested everything in 2013 at just the right level of ripeness to capture the most aromatic essence of the fruit.
What we crafted is a pinot noir that has a beautiful garnet color and an aroma of fruits and flowers and earth that really is expressive. The flavors are fresh and full bodied and it finishes with just the right level of juicy tannins. This pinot is young but displays a deliciousness and drinkability that makes it easy to have a second glass.
Vineyard Blend: Kick On Ranch, Puerta Del Mar, Solomon Hills, & La Cote
Blend: 100% Pinot Noir | Alc: 13.0% | Vinification: traditional open top fermentation | Barrel Aging: 13 Months in French Oak, 30% New | Total Production: 914 cases
Press Reviews
Antonio Galloni’s Vinous
“(made from fruit grown in the Kick On, Puerta del Mar and Solomon Hills vineyards): Vivid red. Highly perfumed aromas of fresh red berries, potpourri and Asian spices are complemented by deeper-pitched hints of cola and licorice. Shows excellent clarity and lift on the palate, offering spicy raspberry and bitter cherry flavors that gain sweetness with air. Classically bright and focused pinot, with silky tannins coming up late and adding grip to the spice-laced finish.”- JR 91 Points
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“Although this is the estate’s entry-level Pinot Noir, don’t let that deter you, as the 2013 Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County is a sensational effort that easily stands up to the single-vineyard releases in 2013. Coming primarily from Kick On Ranch, Solomon Hills and Bien Nacido (which are some of the best sites in California), it offers tons of strawberry, raspberry and sappy flower notions in a pretty, elegant and lightly textured style. Possessing both terrific aromatics and a great texture.”- JD 91 Points