Overview
California's most exciting cool-climate region. Transverse mountain ranges channel cold Pacific air inland. Made famous by the film Sideways, Sta. Rita Hills produces Pinot Noir that rivals Burgundy in elegance.
In The Glass
- Colour
- Medium garnet
- Nose
- Strawberry, Red cherry, Raspberry, Rose petals and Violet.
- Palate
- Cool-climate California — Burgundian elegance meets Pacific freshness. Generally medium-bodied, crisp acidity, soft tannins, dry, with a long finish.
Tasting Profile
Body Medium3/5
Tannins Soft2/5
Acidity Crisp4/5
Sweetness Bone Dry1/5
Alcohol Medium3/5
Grapes
Pinot NoirChardonnaySyrahGrenache
Aromas And Notes
StrawberryRed cherryRaspberryPomegranateRose petalsVioletEarthyHerbsForest floorSpiceSmoke
Terroir
Cool maritime — transverse valleys funnel Pacific fog and wind. Extreme diurnal variation.
Sandy loamClayDiatomaceous earthShale
Food Pairings
SalmonDuck breastMushroom risottoBrie
Notable Producers
- Sine Qua Non, founded 1994 - Mr. K The Straw Man
- Au Bon Climat, founded 1982 - Knox Alexander Pinot Noir