Product description
The wine is a combination of whole-cluster and destemmed Pinot Noir primarily from the Dierberg Family's Drum Vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills. Pressing occurs in large oak open-top fermentors. After 3-5 days of fermentation with judicious use of both punch-downs and pump-overs, the wine is transferred to French oak barriques, 10% of which is new. The wine is left on its lees for 8-9 months before being racked, and blended back into stainless steel for additional age.
Aromatically the wine is fruit-driven with notes of tart cherries, red cherries, blackberries, and plums with hints of crushed stone and fine black pepper. On the palate, the wine is much more earthy with dried herbs and a touch of citrus.
"Aromas of blue fruits with ripe yet cool strawberry character. Iron and stone. Medium to full body, with firm and chewy texture. Hints of rose stem. Fresh at the end. Really serious. Drink or hold." - 94 points, James Suckling
"The 2021 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills has a medium ruby-purple color and scents of cranberry, raspberry and blueberry with pure wafts of tea leaves and violet. The light-bodied palate is delicate, bright and chalky with a core of perfumed fruit and an ethereal, lifted finish." - 93 points, Wine Advocate