Sanford Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills 2019 375ml

The 2019 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills comes mainly from younger vines in the Sanford & Benedict (44%) and La Rinconada (56%) vineyards planted to a wide range of clonal selections. Pale ruby-purple, it’s scented of red and black berries, orange peel, forest floor and bitters. The palate is open and spicy, with a silky texture, refreshing acidity and a touch of classy baking spice from its 11 months in 25% new French oak. It’s a bright, pure style this vintage and excellent quality for an appellation bottling. 88,548 cases produced.

• Country: United States
• Region: California
• Appellation: Santa Barbara
• Sub Appellation: Santa Rita Hills
• Size: 375ml
• Color: Red

Varietal

Pinot Noir

Regularly described as being the grape varietal responsible for producing the world’s most romantic wines, Pinot Noir has long been associated with elegance and a broad range of flavors The name means ‘black pine’ in French, and this is due to the fact that the fruit of this particular varietal is especially dark in color, and hangs in a conical shape, like that of a pine cone. Despite being grown today in almost every wine producing country, Pinot Noir is a notoriously difficult grape variety to cultivate. This is because it is especially susceptible to various forms of mold and mildew, and thrives best in steady, cooler climates. However, the quality of the fruit has ensured that wineries and vintners have persevered with the varietal, and new technologies and methods have overcome many of the problems it presents. Alongside this, the wide popularity and enthusiasm for this grape has ensured it will remain a firm favorite amongst wine drinkers for many years to come.