2017 Pinot Noir, Rio Vista Vineyard 2A
2017 Pinot Noir, Rio Vista Vineyard 2A

2017 Pinot Noir, Rio Vista Vineyard 2A

$48.00


Fact Sheet

Specifications

  • Alcohol 14.8%
  • Acidity .63 g/100ml
  • Aging 8+ years from release date
  • Appellation Sta. Rita Hills
  • Bottling Date March 26, 2019
  • Country USA
  • Harvest Date September 4, 2017
  • ph 3.78
  • Region Santa Barbara County
  • Residual sugar 0
  • Type Still
  • Varietal Pinot Noir
  • Vineyard Rio Vista Vineyard
  • Vintage 2017
  • Winemaker Norm Yost

Awards

Wine Enthusiast 91 points.

"Hearty and heavy aromas of black-cherry juice, sarsaparilla and cola make for an invitingly rich and spicy nose on this vineyard selection. Those prominent spices carry onto the sip, where roasted cherry tomato and blistered black-plum flavors make for a slightly tart balance against the powerful spice."

--Matt Kettmann

Food Pairing

Pair with smoked gouda, lamb stew, beef ribs, bouillabaisse or chocolate covered bacon. 

Production Notes

Pinot Noir clone 2A; 153 cases produced.

Tasting Notes

Enjoy black and blue fruit with a hint of dark spice and smoked meat on the nose. You may find this fully bodied wine with rich tannins and lots of fruit also expresses a bit of licorice on the palate. Pair with smoked gouda, lamb stew, beef ribs, bouillabaisse or chocolate covered bacon. This vintage of 2A is bigger than previous vintages and is definitely age worthy. We've been told "A-Rod" worthy too!

Vineyard Notes

The Rio Vista Vineyard, appropriately names as it overlooks the Santa Ynez River, is the eastern gateway to the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. Although it's slightly warmer during the growing season than vineyards further to the west, Rio Vista is also tempered by the marine environment of the nearby Pacific Ocean. Rio Vista Clone 2A grapes were added to the Flying Goat portfolio in 2004, and the first 2A “clonal” bottling debuted the following year.

Winemaker Notes

Clone 2A is one of the Wadenswil selection, a group of Pinot Noir clones imported from Switzerland in the 1950’s. Many like to use it as a “blender” as it tends to add red fruit, spice and nuances like violets and blueberries to a wine, without affecting density or tannin structure. With the cool climate of the Sta. Rita Hills, we believe that 2A can easily stand on its own! The grapes were hand harvested and delivered early in the day while still cool and firm. Gently de-stemmed and placed into small open top bins, the grapes were made into wine and then placed into French oak barrels.