The grapes for this bottling of Pinot Noir hail from Mt. Carmel Vineyard on the western edge of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. 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 hand twice each day. The new wine was then aged in a mixture of new and older French oak barrels for 11 months prior to being bottled without filtration.

Santa Rita Hills (Sta. Rita Hills AVA) has quickly become an up and coming location for Pinot Noir vineyards. Our Mt. Carmel Vineyard Pinot Noir is a classic example of the ultra-premium quality that this area can produce. The bouquet opens with seductive aromas of ruby red grapefruit, Rainier cherry, vanilla and hints of chaparral, while silky tannins and an elegant finish follow through on the palate.

94 - Jeb Dunuck