This is the seventh release for Sarah’s Vineyard with fruit sourced from the Santa Rita Hills, and our fourth release from the Rancho La Viña vineyard. Located in Santa Barbara County, the Sta. Rita Hills is part of the larger Santa Ynez Valley AVA. The hills of the district run east to west, which allows cool ocean breezes from the nearby Pacific Ocean to enter the valley, providing fairly cool microclimates – perfect for growing top-flight Pinot Noir. Dense morning fog gives way to sunny afternoons, and loamy soils make Rancho La Viña an incredible, cool climate growing site. In addition to 34.5 acres of top-quality Pinot Noir wine grapes, a variety of other crops are also grown on the ranch, including 126 acres of the best walnuts in California. We are excited to continue to work with this small, quality grower who really takes pride in their work, and we feel that this is a truly excellent wine. The wine spent eleven months aging in French oak barrels, one-third being new wood, which imparts polish and length.
The ’24 Sarah’s Vineyard Rancho La Viña Pinot Noir has a vast bright red fruit presence of strawberry, rhubarb, pomegranate, and cherry. Along with these aromas are matching delicate fruit flavors complemented by an earthiness and baking spice. This wine is well-balanced with smooth, silky tannins. The 2024 Rancho La Viña Pinot Noir pairs wonderfully with herb-roasted chicken.
94 Points, Wine Enthusiast
The lush aromas of cherry, ginger ale and cream soda are cut by a slightly bitter hint of sage leaf on the nose of this single-vineyard expression. The wine floats across the palate with jubilant flavors of baked plum and li hing mui that are layered in chaparral and redwood spices. — Matt Kettmann.
