2020 CHEV Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

Aromas of dark cherry, wild strawberry, red plum, violet, and toasted spice lead into a rich, complex, medium-to-full-bodied palate. Flavors of ripe raspberry, pomegranate, baking cocoa, and a touch of black tea leaf mesh with a savory, damp-earth minerality. The texture is velvety and layered, supported by smooth, fine-grained tannins and bright coastal acidity through a long, polished, lingering finish.

Hand-harvested fruit is meticulously sorted before gentle destemming, retaining a small percentage of whole clusters for aromatic complexity. Following a cold soak, fermentation takes place in small open-top stainless steel and concrete vessels using temperature control and gentle cap management. The wine ages for roughly 15 to 18 months in select French oak barrels (incorporating a significant portion of tight-grain new wood) to integrate structure while maintaining fruit purity.

Grapes are sourced from cool-climate, high-density vineyard blocks situated within the Sta. Rita Hills AVA in Santa Barbara County, California. The vines root into well-draining diatomaceous earth, shale, and sandy loam soils. Positioned along the unique transverse mountain range, the site receives cool Pacific Ocean breezes and thick fog, which prolong the growing season, building deep phenolic ripeness while locking in natural acidity.