2018 WALT Rita's Crown Pinot Noir
Bright ruby hue. Open and earthy aroma - fresh floral, red fruit, and a delicate nougat profile (driven by the soil) - very effusive in the glass. The palate is vibrant and full of energy. The nougat flavor is present followed by white strawberry, subtle warm barrel spice, and the finish contains hints of umami driven by the vineyard's proximity to the coast . The finish is also very bold and lengthy - fruitful, plush and savory. An excellent example of this very special Sta. Rita Hills vineyard.
Floral
Nougat
White Strawberry
Barrel Spice
The Rita's Crown Vineyard is an exceptional site comprised mainly of steeply rolling hills planted to south facing vineyards. Limiting cobble clay loam soils and extremely well drained slopes produce small vines and berries of intense flavor and depth. Rita's Crown is nestled between the east west aspect of the Santa Rosa and La Purisima Hills, allowing the cool ocean fog to roll through the vineyard - perfect for Pinot Noir.
| Bottle Size | 750mL |
|---|---|
| Varietal Composition | 100% Pinot Noir |
| Barrel Aging | 10 Months in 45% New French Oak (François Frères) |
| Appellation | Sta. Rita Hills |
| Vineyard | Rita's Crown |
| Vintage Notes | Following a series of warm, early harvests, this year’s growing season returned to a slower rhythm, allowing grapes to ripen gently with deep flavors. Our growers spent the summer and fall manicuring the vine canopies to provide the grapes enough shade from the sun while also preparing adequate airflow to deter mold. When Mother Nature did throw a couple of unpredictable systems at us, we were able to weather the storms and harvest exceptional fruit! |
Mile 0-52, Santa Barbara and the Sta. Rita Hills
