Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills, 2007
Rancho Santa Rosa Vineyard
Santa Rita Hills (Sta. Rita Hills AVA) has quickly become a Santa Barbara County favorite location for Pinot Noir vineyards. This Pinot Noir contains grapes exclusively grown in the Rancho Santa Rosa vineyard, providing an example of the ultra premium quality that this area can produce. The wine has seductive aroma qualities of raspberry, rhubarb, cinnamon, nutmeg and star anise. The flavors of dried cranberries and anise are ripe and well balanced, with bright acidity.

After being hand harvested in the early morning, the grapes are transported the 20 minute drive east to the winery. Upon delivery to the winery, the grapes were gently de-stemmed, then cold soaked before the onset of fermentation. The fermenting must was then punched down by each day to extract the lovely color, tannins and flavors from the grape skins. Aged in a mixture of new (50%) and older barrels, the wine was aged for 10 months before being bottled without filtration in August of 2008. Just 149 cases of Pinot Noir, Rancho Santa Rosa Vineyard were produced.

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Optimum Storage Conditions: Constant temperature, 55-58° F, darkness.

Aging Potential: To enjoy young fruit aromas, consume within 1-3 years of bottling date. For extended aging under ideal conditions, consume within 3-7 years of bottling date.

Vineyards:
100% Rancho Santa Rosa, Block 35

Bottle analysis:
Alcohol: 14.6%, pH: 3.51, TA: 0.649g/100ml

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