Vineyard: La Rinconada

AppellationSta. Rita Hills
VarietiesPinot Noir

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2019 Testarossa La Rinconada Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.21, TA 0.71, 575 cases, $74. Released May 2021. Aged 17 months in French oak barrels, 57% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Soaring aromas of blackberry fruit, dark rose petal and wine cave. An exceptional wine with midweight flavors of black cherry and blueberry-pomegranate accented with welcome spice. Quite forward and giving with impressive purity of Pinot extract and gracious balance. There is a hint of earthiness that I find common in Pinot Noir from this vineyard. Even better when tasted several hours later and the following day from a previously opened bottle. The best La Rinconada Pinot Noir I have ever tasted. Score: 95. Reviewed June 13, 2021 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Sandhi Rinconada Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 450 cases, $55. This historic vineyard was planted by Richard Sanford in 1997 in silica-based soils tending to produce an earthy expression of Pinot Noir. · Light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of red cherry and red raspberry, rose petal, pine sap and turned earth lead to a lighter-weighted style wine with an array of red and blue fruits backed by vibrant acidity. There is a hint of leaf and herbal tone in the background. The most austere wine in the 2014 Sandhi lineup, offering a slightly tart cherry finish. This wine did assume more character and flavor over time in the glass and the following day when tasted from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 89. Reviewed May 7, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 LUTUM La Rinconada Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., 225 cases, $50. Harvest Brix 24.6º. 100% de-stemmed, 4-day cold soak, aged 15 months in 100% French oak barrels, 33% new. Unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Alluring aromas of fresh black cherry pie, spice and sweet oak. Gorgeous mid weight plus fruit core featuring lightly spiced black cherry and boysenberry with an earthy tone and a taste of iron. Substantial tannins are folded in with seamless awareness. Very classy juice that is infused with vibrancy, finishing with a juicy cut of acidity. The best wine I have had from this vineyard in recent memory. Score: 94. Reviewed May 14, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Sandhi Rinconada Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $55. 100% whole cluster fermentation. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Exhilarating nose offering aromas of dark cherry, rose petal, exotic spices and a little sous-bois at play. Seductive elegance upon entry with layers of dark red and purple berry fruits backed by youthful, muscular tannins. A wine to contemplate with nuances arriving over time including a floral riff. Silky in the mouth with a good spark of acidity to buffer the tannins. Still very enjoyable the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. This wine needs cellaring for the tannins to meld. Score: 93. Reviewed December 10, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 LUTUM La Rinconada Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

13.01% alc., 125 cases, $50. Mt. Eden clone planted in Santa Lucia shaly clay loam. 25% whole cluster. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Welcoming aromas of earth-kissed cherry, forest floor, spice and a hint of vanilla. Delicately weighted but flavorful, featuring cherry and red berry fruits with good intensity and finishing length. Supple tannins, juicy acidity in the background, and an appealing freshness and transparency complete the picture. This wine leaves a smile on your face. Score: 90. Reviewed January 20, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Three Sticks “The James” Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.64, TA 0.67, 163 cases, $60. Released September 2013. Sourced from Burning Creek and La Riconada vineyards. Aged 14 months in 67% new French oak puncheons. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Lovely black cherry and dark raspberry fruit highlight the nose that shows a marked oak presence. Delicious core of dark raspberry fruit, intensely flavored and nicely spiced. Oak also stands out on the palate. Balanced tannins and bright acidity are well matched to the fruit. Score: 88. Reviewed December 18, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2006 Sanford La Rinconada Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $40. · Flat out great nose featuring a showy mixture of cherry, raspberry, oak, baking spice and earthy aromas. Lush spiced red cherry fruit showing perfect ripeness and excellent length. Silky textured with an endless echo of the scents and fruit on the finish marred only by a little heat. Reviewed October 1, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Sanford La Rinconada Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

This is a superb vineyard and Pinots I have had from here have been outstanding and very age worthy. This wine is no exception. Fabulous aromatics of spice and bright ripe cherries, meaty flavors of toasty Pinot fruits highlighted with licorice, and a finish that leaves you asking for more. There is a certain pedigree to the fruit here (the vineyard is adjacent to Sanford & Benedict Vineyard) and this wine struts a certain charisma that is other worldly. Reviewed July 23, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »