This Pinot Noir is dark ruby in color and is very spice-driven on the nose with cloves, lavender, wild mushrooms, and forest floor. The palate delivers spice and savory, dark fruits, espresso, and leather with balanced acid and suave tannin structure, which carries a lovely finish. The wine was aged in French Oak barrels (25% new oak) for 11 months where it gained complexity and elegance.

Wine Advocate 91 Pts "Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills comes from the La Rinconada and Sanford & Benedict vineyards and is aged 11 months in 30% new French oak. Pale to medium ruby-purple, it has a nose of macerated strawberry, red licorice, dried red cherry, cranberry, warm blackberries, and touches of tar, loamy earth, potpourri, and dried florals. Light to medium-bodied, it offers good intensity in the mouth with juicy acidity and soft, grainy tannins, finishing with earthy notes."