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Foley Johnson - Sta Rita Hills - Pinot Noir 2014
Vintage
The 2014 vintage was another solid year in the Sta. Rita Hills. It was the third consecutive abundant vintage with
high quality fruit and large yields. As the earliest bud break on record in the region and with such a warm growing
season, this was also the earliest harvest to date. Conditions remained ideal from bloom to set only minimally
burdened by the typical afternoon winds that sweep through Sta. Rita Hills.
high quality fruit and large yields. As the earliest bud break on record in the region and with such a warm growing
season, this was also the earliest harvest to date. Conditions remained ideal from bloom to set only minimally
burdened by the typical afternoon winds that sweep through Sta. Rita Hills.
Tasting notes
Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noirs stand out for their effusive aromatics. Our 2014 is fragrant with aromas of
blackberry, cherry and tobacco. These aromas carry through to the palate leading into lean, juicy flavors of
black cherry and cranberry. The firm tannins build the structure of this wine as it finishes with cocoa powder
notes.The wine also has the intensity one would expect from low yields and the fine structure that comes
from a cool climate. Pair this wine with pork tenderloin, salmon or a spinach salad with blackberry dressing.
blackberry, cherry and tobacco. These aromas carry through to the palate leading into lean, juicy flavors of
black cherry and cranberry. The firm tannins build the structure of this wine as it finishes with cocoa powder
notes.The wine also has the intensity one would expect from low yields and the fine structure that comes
from a cool climate. Pair this wine with pork tenderloin, salmon or a spinach salad with blackberry dressing.
Vineyard and Winemaking
The Rancho Santa Rosa East and West Blocks are located in the Sta. Rita Hills region of Santa Barbara County.
Climbing from 500 to 1,000 feet above sea level, these hilly sites are treated as a series of individual
micro-vineyards delineated by soil, exposure, elevation, grade, rootstock and clones. The well-draining soils and
cool maritime climate make this a perfect spot for Pinot Noir. This Pinot shows the pure fruit and vibrancy
characteristic of its cool climate origins. The fruit was hand-picked and hand-sorted in the vineyard in the cool
morning hours to preserve the aromatics. The clusters were then de-stemmed with no crushing. The must was
cold-soaked in open-top fermenters for four days and then allowed to ferment with native yeast. The wine was aged
for 18 months in French oak, 25% new, prior to bottling.
Climbing from 500 to 1,000 feet above sea level, these hilly sites are treated as a series of individual
micro-vineyards delineated by soil, exposure, elevation, grade, rootstock and clones. The well-draining soils and
cool maritime climate make this a perfect spot for Pinot Noir. This Pinot shows the pure fruit and vibrancy
characteristic of its cool climate origins. The fruit was hand-picked and hand-sorted in the vineyard in the cool
morning hours to preserve the aromatics. The clusters were then de-stemmed with no crushing. The must was
cold-soaked in open-top fermenters for four days and then allowed to ferment with native yeast. The wine was aged
for 18 months in French oak, 25% new, prior to bottling.
