2020 Fiddlestix Pinot Noir

Sta. Rita Hills750ml 14.1

Sta. Rita Hills is home to some of Santa Barbara’s best-known Pinot Noirs and occupies the western portion of Santa Ynez Valley between Buellton and Lompoc. The region’s east-to-west orientation, extreme proximity to the Pacific Ocean and ancient marine bed soils are perfect for world class Pinot Noir.

Alcohol 14.1%
Vintage 2020

$50.00

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Specifications

Vintage: 2020
Region: Santa Barbara County
Appelation: Sta. Rita Hills
ABV: 14.1
Varietal: Pinot Noir

Tasting Notes

A beautiful ruby-red, garnet shimmering hue, this Fiddlestix Pinot Noir has inviting aromas and flavors of dark red berries, with notes of pomegranate, rhubarb, and black cherry, supported by lifted floral notes of hibiscus, wild lavender, and rooibos tea leaf. Hints of warm baking spices are a tribute to the well-integrated oak, with nuances of allspice, nutmeg, and clove, supported by a lithe, sinewy mouthfeel that is focused with a bright purity of fruit. There is also an intriguing, crushed clay earthiness that keeps this Pinot grounded in a mouth pleasing savory tone. A lively backbone of fresh acidity runs throughout, leading to a balanced, long, and lengthy finish. Youthful and vibrant upon release, but sure to age gracefully for further enjoyment down the road.

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The Vineyard

GRACE BENOIST RANCH

The vineyard lies a few miles inland alongside the Santa Ynez River bench at the western end of the transverse-oriented Santa Ynez Valley. Fiddlestix receives a consistent marine influence from Pacific currents but sits low enough against the hills to achieve some protection from the area’s strong afternoon winds. Exposure to coastal breezes and fog ensures cooling influences throughout extended sunny days, which helps to add depth and vibrancy to the fruit. Temperatures are rarely above the mid 70’s. In 35 small blocks on 96 acres, a variety of rootstocks and clones are planted in well-draining Gazos and Batella clay loam and calcareous marine shale providing complexity and diversity to the vineyard. Nearby are some of California’s most famed and historic Pinot Noir vineyards.

Process

The 2020 vintage

Winter
The 2020 season is considered another successful vintage, despite being remembered for factors beyond the typical harvest season. It was a warm, dry winter and the rain and cooler weather didn’t arrive until the end of March.
Spring
While the mild spring season was a great early start, our winery working conditions had extensive safety protocols due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Summer
Summer brought very cool mornings and very warm days, but then harvest was interrupted by wildfires across California, which came as grapes started to be picked, and we were very fortunate that none of our vineyards were in the areas of the active fires.
Harvest
The red wine harvest started in late August, with the wines showing excellent development in cellars, reflecting the fine vintage year.

Crafted Excellence

Winemaking

The grapes for this wine were harvested at night to preserve freshness and integrity. They were placed in open-top fermenters for 3-5 days of cold maceration followed by fermentation. A small percentage of the grapes were left as whole cluster to preserve the buoyancy of aromatics of the fruit and to add structure and refinement to the wine. Punch downs were performed during the early stages of fermentation with the extraction becoming gentler as the wine became dry, and followed with a quiet extended maceration to help modify the richness and mouthfeel of the wine. The wine was lightly pressed into small French oak barrels where it rested for 12 months.

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2020 Fiddlestix Pinot Noir