2021 Sta. Rita Hills Fiddlestix Pinot Noir

Fiddlestix Vineyard lies a few miles inland alongside the Santa Ynez River bench at the western end of the 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 throughout extended sunny days, which helps to add depth and vibrancy to the fruit. Temperatures are rarely above the mid- 70s. 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.

The grapes were harvested at night to preserve freshness and varietal integrity, then placed in open-top fermenters for three to five days of cold maceration followed by fermentation. Punch- downs were performed during the early stages of fermentation with the extraction becoming gentler as the wine became dry. To complete the assemblage, the wine was lightly pressed into small French oak barrels where it rested for 12 months.