2019 L'Usine Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills

Dave Phinney selected four hillside growers to work with on the 2018 vintage of Santa Rita Hills. Clones 667,777 and 828 were used. De-clumping and green passes in each block with one pass focussed on shoot thinning and the other to remove any green or unripe berries. The yields were between 2-3 tons per acre, with all grapes meticulously hand-harvested.

Glowing from the glass with a crimson core and a pale blush on the rim, the 2018 Santa Rita Hills opens with whispers of fresh pomegranate seeds, strawberry gelato, crème fraiche and fig leaf. The palate is layered and round exhibiting notes of strawberry preserves, redcurrant and rhubarb crisp. Slight oak tannins present themselves on the finish coupled with a hint of lemon, pepper brine.