Alma Rosa Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills 2023 (750ml)

*COMING SOON*

Winemaking
Following a 5-day cold soak, fruit (100% destemmed) fermented for 10-15 days in a combination of open stainless steel tanks, closed stainless steel tanks, and one- ton bins
Free run and barreled directly into 33% new French oak and 67% neutral French oak
Allowed to go through natural malolactic fermentation; aged for a total of 10 months
Sat on gross lees until mid-August before being racked and allowed to settle naturally before bottling

Vintage Notes
The 2023 vintage began with a record amount of rainfall, setting the stage for a long, cool growing season that extended into a later harvest. The prolonged ripening period allowed the grapes to develop slowly and gradually, with small berries and clusters. Daily marine breezes from the Pacific Ocean, just 10 miles away, and the absence of extreme weather events created ideal conditions for producing fruit of exceptional quality, bright acidity, concentration and character.

Tasting Notes
The 2023 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir, sourced primarily from Alma Rosa’s own El Jabali estate vineyard, pours a deep, rich ruby in the glass. The nose is layered with captivating aromas tart cherry, sassafras and black tea. On the palate, black cherry, raspberry, blueberry and red licorice are accented by freshly cracked pepper and pomegranate, all framed by lively acidity and elegant, fine tannins. The finish is long and expressive, showcasing why Sta. Rita Hills is such a distinctive and exceptional region for Pinot Noir.

History of Alma Rosa
Alma Rosa is an estate deeply rooted in the winemaking history of the Santa Rosa Hills in the southern sector of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Here, growing conditions combine sunshine with the powerful cooling influence of onshore winds and fog from the Pacific Ocean.

The unique geography, chilly climate, and clay-loam soils attracted Alma Rosa Founder Richard Sanford to this area in the early 70s where he pioneered Pinot Noir in Santa Barbara County. Today, under the leadership of Proprietors Bob and Barb Zorich and Winemaker Samra Morris, Alma Rosa remains dedicated to crafting wines that embody the best of the Sta. Rita Hills while preserving the authenticity and sustainability of the estate’s terroir.

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