SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

The 2017 Pinot Noir shows cherry, sage and orange peel aromatics. Core flavors of sweet red fruit are supported by black tea and Asian spice. Vibrant acidity, and partial stem inclusion provide structure throughout, leading to a long and savory finish. Though this wine should age gracefully for years to come, it is made to be open and enjoyable in its youth.

Reviews

Vinous  92 Points ~ The 2017 Pinot Noir (Santa Barbara County) is rich, open-knit and super-expressive. The dark red and purplish fruit flavors get an extra kick of aromatic intensity from 25% whole clusters, an approach that works brilliantly. Rich, layered and super-expressive, the 2017 is a winner, not to mention a real overachiever in its peer group. The appellation Pinot is mostly from Duvarita, with a few barrels of Fiddlestix. Drink 2019-2029. — Antonio Galloni

Jeb Dunnuck  92 Points ~ The 2017 Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County comes from two sites in the Sta. Rita Hills, Duvarita (technically in Santa Barbara County) and Fiddlestix. Fermented with 25% stems and aged in 20% new oak, it has a ruby/plum color as well as a spicy, stem-laced bouquet of black cherries, cranberries, orange blossom, violets, and earth. It's juicy, has bright acidity (there's more acidity in this cuvée compared to the single vineyard release), beautiful fruit, and is a rock-solid value play in high-quality Pinot Noir. — Jeb Dunnuck