SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
The 2018 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
Jeb Dunnuck 90 Points ~ The 2018 Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County comes from the Duvarita and Fiddlestix vineyards and was 50% destemmed and aged in 14% new French oak. Deeper ruby/plum-hued with lots of darker fruits, leafy herbs, smoked earth, and peppery notes, it's medium-bodied, has a supple, elegant texture, present tannins, and a good finish. I think it will be even better this time next year and should drink nicely for 4-5 years. Maturity 2020-2025. — Jeb Dunnuck
Vinous 91 Points ~ The 2018 Pinot Noir (Santa Barbara County) is laced with the essence of crushed raspberry, blood orange, dried herbs, mint and spice. The aromatics alone are beguiling, but there is plenty of fruit and textural richness as well, all in a mid-weight style that is so appealing. This is such a pretty wine. Bright saline accents add vibrancy, especially on the finish. Drinking window 2020-2028. — Antonio Galloni
2017 Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County
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
