Colluvial "Las Nenas" Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2020
- ws92
- bh91
- we91
Category | Red Wine |
Varietal | |
Brand | Colluvial |
Origin | California, Central Coast, Sta. Rita Hills |
Alcohol/vol | 13.9% |
The 2018 Co^lluvial™ “Las Nenas” Pinot bottling is grounded in the majesty of California’s Santa Rita Hills AVA (American Viticultural Area). The fruit is drawn from the John Sebastiano and La Encantada Vineyards. John Sebastiano, tucked into the far eastern edge of the appellation, is one of California’s rising stars. The wines from this area tend to be darker, heavier with rich fruits. They can also possess a certain level of minerality, along with wonderful balancing acidity. Soils are clay-loam underlaid by limestone varying greatly in depth due to the nature of the slope and swales. La Encantada Vineyard, originally planted and owned by Richard Sanford, is mostly planted to Pinot Noir on the westernmost edge of the AVA and is one of the coolest sites in the appellation. Soils are a combination of clay, loam, shale and sand, which I believe contribute to the mineral notes in this elegant bottling.
Wine Spectator
- ws92
Expressive, with generous rooibos and blood orange notes, laced with a hint of incense and backed by a tangy mineral thread. Lithe in feel, with sneaky persistence. Drink now through 2027. 148 cases made.
Burghound
- bh91
This is also lightly hued. A more restrained and slightly more deeply pitched nose also reflects mostly red berry fruit scents though here there are hints of plum and violet. There is more mid-palate volume and density to the richer medium-bodied flavors that possess a seductive texture, all wrapped in the dusty finale that is also sneaky long. I like the balance, and this too should repay mid-term keeping.
Wine Enthusiast
- we91
Fresh hibiscus and boysenberry-pie aromas show on the nose of this bottling. Crisp and tart berry flavors pop on the sip, where rose-petal elements add complexity and the acidity keeps the entire package very fresh.