Pinot Noir, WALT wine 'Sta. Rita Hills'

2019 was a benchmark vintage for California Pinot, with wines showing power, finesse and the structure for cellaring; moderate temperatures and an even-keeled season led to a leisurely harvest, while crop size was on the lower side. In pinot country in California’s Central Coast, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Monterey Counties, temperatures through the growing season of 2019 were closer to historic averages, before the effects of climate change and drought distorted those numbers. It was a wet spring, with a late budbreak and cooler than average temperatures. The water in the soil led to fairly high vigor, and mildew pressure was commonly reported. Fruit set and veraison were also later than in recent years; with no appreciable heat spikes, the fruit development was relatively slow and unimpeded. Harvest was up to three weeks later than in the previous two vintages, with excellent fruit quality and relatively high yields.

Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir is crafted from a blend of vineyards that express the unique character of this region. From rolling hills to high elevation sites, the vines are exposed to fog and cooling ocean breezes. The resulting wine is rich, spicy and bursting with concentrated flavors.

This wine's expressive perfume of ripe, vibrant fruit is underscored by notes of garrigue herbs and spicy clove. A fresh, lively structure complements the ripe cherry and pomegranate flavors. Bold and charged with energy, the wine finishes with a hint of salinity. Aged 10 months in barrel, 40% in new French oak.