Vineyard: Drum Canyon

OwnersJim Dierberg, Mary Dierberg
AppellationSta. Rita Hills
Dates Planted2005
Acres70, primarily Pinot Noir
LocationEastern edge of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Significant maritime influence characterized by fog-shrouded mornings followed by maritime breezes and sunny days.
AspectHillside, southern exposure.
VarietiesPinot Noir
ManagersRudolfo Bravo

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2016 Paul Lato “The Contender” Drum Canyon Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., $75. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with scents of plum, blackberry jam, mushroom, floral bouquet and a hint of oak. A stunning wine from the get-go with mid weight plus flavors of black fruits with accents of spice, licorice and a subtle oak shadow. Remarkable explosiveness on the mid palate. Silken in texture with a cordial balance, finishing really long and fruited. So tasty you can’t turn away. Score: 95. Reviewed June 9, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Migration Drum Canyon Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $68. This vineyard was planted in 2003 by the Dierberg family and is located at the eastern edge of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 40% new and 60% neutral. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Reserved aromas of black cherry, earthy flora, toast and cigar box. Stunning on entry, with loads of black cherry, raspberry and spice flavor in a mid weight plus style that delivers immersed tannins and vibrant acidity. Nuances of earth and mushroom add interest. Very sleek and refreshing with the longest finish of the trio of 2015 Migration Pinot Noir wines tasted. Score: 93. Reviewed January 20, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Migration Drum Canyon Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 213 cases, $68. Vineyard planted in 2003 by the Dierberg family and is located on the eastern edge of the Sta. Rita Hills. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 40% new and 60% neutral. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Savory notes of leaf, oak and earth combine with aromas of cherry and clove on the nose. Light to mid weight flavors of black cherry and blackberry have an earthy tone and are framed by dry, but not bitter tannins. Even better the following day when tasted from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, showing more spice and exuberant fruit on the nose, and a more fruit-charged finish. Score: 92. Reviewed January 16, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Dierberg Drum Canyon Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $52. Stem inclusion used to add structure and savory spice and earth tones. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 20% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The intoxicating aromas of black raspberry, black cherry, potpourri and spice draw you to the glass. Ultra ripe flavors of black cherry, blackberry and a hint of raisin are framed by easygoing tannins and the juicy acidity that Sta. Rita Hills is known for. The ripeness qualities reflect the vintage. Stem inclusion has nicely embellished the wine. Silky in the mouth, and easy to savor, with a modest, but focused finish that gives off the slightest sense of alcoholic heat. Score: 91. Reviewed September 7, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Paul Lato “The Contender” Drum Canyon Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $75. Inaugural vintage for this source. Unfiltered. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Shy, but pleasant aromas of dark berries and pomegranate juice with a hint of rose petal and pork cracklings. Noticeably intense on the attack but polished on the palate offering mid weight flavors of cherry and raspberry with a hint of oak vanillin in the background. Impressive length and power on a glorious finish that urges another sip. Score: 93. Reviewed May 14, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Dierberg Drum Canyon Vineyard Estate Grown Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., pH 3.45, $44. Located in the eastern edge of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Planted in 2005 to a mix of heritage clones and low vigor rootstocks. Aged 16 months in used French oak barrels. Lightly fined, unfiltered. · Deep, dark purple color in the glass. Brooding aromas of blackberries and boysenberries with hints of briar, forest floor and espressolaced oak. Earthy, rugged and full-bodied, with a dense core of blackberry, cassis and blueberry fruits. A brute of a wine, yet retains a comfortable mouth feel. A little more expressive and gentle the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 88. Reviewed July 21, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Dierberg Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.65, $44. Sourced from Drum Canyon Vineyard planted in 2005. Low vigor rootstocks and a mix of heritage clones. Primarily native yeast fermentation. Aged 16 months in used French oak barrels. Lightly fining for clarity, unfiltered. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of black fruits, BBQ grill and toast. Vigorous with flavor and character offering a core of well-spiced and very ripe black plum and blackberry fruit wrapped in muscular tannins. Soft and plush on the mid palate and on the very dry finish. A full-bodied, fruit-driven wine that is a touch jammy in character. Good. Reviewed January 19, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »