2019 WALT Rita's Crown Pinot Noir
Critic Review
"Ruby/plum-hued and semi-opaque, the 2019 Pinot Noir Rita's Crown has a terrific, medium to full-bodied, balanced, elegant style that carries lots of black raspberry and mulberry-like fruits as well as spicy oak, candied violets, and spice-driven aromas and flavors. It has wonderful purity, ripe tannins, and a solid finish. It's a classy Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir that has just subtle salinity and gaminess and leads with its fruit and texture."
92 Points | Wine Spectator, Kim Marcus
"Plush and lusciously spiced, with unctuous cherry tart and plum pastry flavors that are loaded with toasty accents. Ends with a long, cream-filled finish."
Rita's Crown Vineyard
Steep rolling south facing hills, nestled between
the east west aspect of the Santa Rosa and
La Purisima Hills
Central Coast AVA
Roughly 250 miles along the coastline of California
from Santa Barbara County to San Francisco County
Sta. Rita Hills AVA
Follows a clearly defined maritime “throat” that
ushers in the Pacific fog and constant cooling breezes
Cobble Clay Loam Soils
produce small vines and berries of intense
flavor and depth
Bright ruby in hue, the 2019 Rita's Crown opens with distinctive aromatics of fresh raspberry, elderberry, black tea leaves and dried flowers. The vineyard's coast influence is evident in the vibrancy of the palate. The unique, calcareous soils of the site bring out mineral and umami flavors in the wine, while the high elevation exposure drives concentration. The finish is bold and full of energy.
Raspberry
Black Tea Leaves
Dried Flowers
Minerality
The Rita's Crown Vineyard is an exceptional site comprised mainly of steeply rolling hills planted to south facing vineyards. Limiting cobble clay loam soils and extremely well drained slopes produce small vines and berries of intense flavor and depth. Rita's Crown is nestled between the east west aspect of the Santa Rosa and La Purisima Hills, allowing the cool ocean fog to roll through the vineyard - perfect for Pinot Noir.
| Bottle Size | 750mL |
|---|---|
| Varietal Composition | 100% Pinot Noir |
| Barrel Aging | 10 Months in 45% New French Oak (François Frères) |
| Appellation | Sta. Rita Hills |
| Vineyard | Rita's Crown Vineyard |
| Vintage Notes | The 2019 vintage began with a wet spring bringing three inches of rain in May. In response to the late rains our vineyards received diligent attention to control vigorous vine growth. A long Indian summer followed with mild weather, allowing the fruit to ripen at slow, even place. The long picking windows bore fruit with beautiful freshness at optimal ripeness. The resulting wines are exceptionally elegant. |
Mile 0-52, Santa Barbara and the Sta. Rita Hills
