2021 Older Barrels Pinot Noir

Appellation

Sta. Rita Hills

Varietal

Pinot Noir

Wine Spectator

Wine Enthusiast

Vineyard Sources

100% Ashley's Vineyard (Blocks U, W, T) located in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation

Barrel Aging

Aged 15 months in 100% neutral 4-year old

Cooperage

Meyrieux, Mercurey, Atelier Centre, Francois Freres, Seguin Morea

Technical Data

Composition

100% Pinot Noir (Clones: 115, 114, Pommard)

Alcohol %

14.1

Description

Our small lot bottlings enable us to deliver some of our finest expressions of pinot noir by concentrating on specific vineyards, clonal selections or techniques. The "Older Barrels" Pinot Noir is aged for 17 months exclusively in four-year old, or "neutral", French barrels. The absence of new oak allow for a more delicate, sophisticated wine showcasing purity of fruit flavors.

This wine shows attractive dark cherry, raspberry and floral notes on the nose. Cherry and cranberry fruit is backed up with firm acidity, minerality and spice flavors on the palate. Enjoy!

Wine Critic Reviews

"Juicy and fresh in feel, with a zippy savory thread that curls around the core of damson plum and blood orange fruit. Long and precise through the finish, with light tea and cedar hints chiming in along the way. Drink now through 2029." ~ Wine Spectator "Dusty aromas of cranberry, fennel frond and dried meats show on the nose of this wine. There’s peppery spice to the palate, where charcuterie flavors join with riper red fruits." ~ Wine Enthusiast