2019 / Pinot Noir

2019 La Encantada Pinot Noir

The La Encantada Vineyard is situated approximately 9 miles from the Pacific Ocean in the cool-climate Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Located off Santa Rosa Road in the southern valley of the appellation, this highly praised vineyard was planted by Richard Sanford in 2001. Notable for the rare east/west orientation of the valley, it is planted on rolling hills and a mesa approximately 300 feet above the Santa Ynez riverbed. It is this orientation that allows it to be influenced to the fog and cold, relentless marine winds from the mighty Pacific. This source consistently produces a signature wine with a unique character, elegance, and a deft balance lending a true sense of place.

wine specifications

Varietal Composition

Pinot Noir
Appellation

Sta. Rita Hills
Barrel Regime

French oak aged for 10 months (35% new)
Alcohol

14.5%

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Full Wine Specifications (PDF)

Tasting notes

Light purple ruby color and aromatic with black and red cherry, raspberry, oak, leather, and subtle mint notes. The palate is moderate to moderate plus bodied, with red and black fruit and a touch of cranberry, oak and notes of vanilla and cinnamon spice on entry. The mid-palate has bergamot and leather flavors with fine, medium tannins toward the moderately long and fresh finish showing a nice mix of sustained fruit and sweet spice with a just a hint of camphor.

Food pairings

The 2019 La Encantada Pinot Noir really shows the character of Santa Barbara County Pinot with its fresh mix of fruit, spice with slightly earthy elements and a balanced mix of textures on the palate making it a great compliment to chicken cacciatore or a veal chop with a mustard cream sauce where the wines bold flavors will match the intensity of flavors and its freshness will keep the palate refreshed.