Our 'Rio Vista Vineyard' Pinot Noir from the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, begins on the nose with a mouth watering sensation of strawberry/rhubarb pie and delicious spices baked into the mix. Right behind the pie are some earthy elements and touches of pepper, tobacco, smoked meats and a hint of orange peel. This is duck wine - or perhaps a comfort food roast beef or fresh Alaskan salmon grilled over a wood plank with light herbs. It evolves so much in the glass, maybe a bite of all three! It is at once sultry and at the same time playful, so perhaps pair this with some Madeleine Peyroux and a few of your more quixotic friends!
Winemaker’s Comments
The ‘Good Earth’ tier celebrates specific vineyards showcasing a distinct style of a particular varietal unique to that vineyard site. In Santa Barbara County, there is a special piece of land nestled in a canyon amongst the Santa Rita Hills that is chalk full of…well…chalk (!). It gently ambles to the ocean…it is foggy, cool, sometimes brooding…and perfect for Pinot Noir.
The Rio Vista Vineyard is a star within the highly acclaimed Santa Rita Hills appellation. Betweenthe hillside plantings on chalky soils and the long, cool growing season, the wines off this vineyard are noted for their depth of color and complexity of fruit. Balance is a word that immediately comes to mind – worthy of drinking tonight or aging for decades.
Wine Description
Our Humanitas 2014 ‘Rio Vista Vineyard’ Pinot Noir begins on the nose with a mouth watering sensation of strawberry/rhubarb pie and delicious spices baked into the mix. Right behind the pie are some earthy elements and touches of pepper, tobacco, smoked meats and a hint of orange peel.
In the mouth, the fruit is very bright up front and the texture is thick in the middle and finish. A little flint & stone pops in followed by cigar wrapper, leather & black pepper. This is a complex wine, yet very easy to drink. It changes a lot in the glass…over and over again. This is duck wine – or perhaps a comfort food roast beef or fresh Alaskan salmon grilled over a wood plank with light herbs. It evolves so much in the glass, maybe a bite of all three! It is at once sultry and at the same time playful so perhaps pair this with some Madeleine Peyroux and a few of your more quixotic friends!
Alcohol: 14.8%
Bottling Date: August 26, 2015
Appellation: Santa Rita Hills – ‘Rio Vista Vineyard’ Designation
Blend: 100% Rio Vista Vineyards Pinot Noir
Clones: 115, 667, 777 & Wadenswill
Wood: 10 months French Oak
Limited Production - 203 Cases
