We are excited to be announce a new vineyard partnership with Rancho La Viña Vineyard from the Santa Rita Hills!

From the extreme coastal corner of the appellation, this unique vineyard site is perfectly suited for a long and even ripening growing season to develop deep, yet racy flavors for Pinot Noir.

2020 Rancho La Viña Vineyard Pinot Noir

Santa Rita Hills AVA

“Deep red hue. Beautiful scents of boysenberry jam, blueberries, anise, and cherry cola lead this newest addition of Pinot Noir single vineyards to our family of prestigious sites. With time, notes of rhubarb and roasted cranberry provide some dimension to the aroma profile. Upon taste, these qualities persist and are balanced by modest acidity and fine, supple tannins. This wine finishes with density and decadence. Enjoy now through 2030.”
~Bill Brosseau, Director of Winemaking
September 2022

Production Stats:

Aging & Cooperage: 19 months in French oak, 57% new
Elevation/Exposure: 430 – 510 ft./North
Soil: Gazos clay loam and Tierra loam
Vineyard Age: 15 years
Vinification: Destemmed, fermented in stainless steel
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir (100% Clone 115)
Acidity: 3.43 pH, 6.39 TA (g/L)
Alcohol: 14.4%
Harvest: September 23, 2020

Wine Page
  • Rancho La Viña Vineyard is part of a 2,800 acre land grant that was purchased by Joseph Cooper in 1872 for $25,000. Today the Baer family, descendants of Cooper tend to the land.
  • The sprawling acreage is in a wild, southwestern corner of what is now the Sta. Rita Hills winegrowing appellation. Squash, green beans, organic walnuts, and heirloom tomatoes are grown on the property in addition to premium wine grapes.
  • The vineyard was planted in 2005 exclusively to Pinot Noir vines and a variety of clones. We source from a block containing the 115 Pinot Noir clone which is known for balance and amplified aromatics. The soils are a silty loam which also cater towards strong aromatics.
  • Being on the coastal side of the appellation, extreme wind is a feature of the growing season, making this one of the coolest vineyards in the region. The vineyard is also north facing which, with the combination of cool temperatures, further extends the growing season.
  • The vineyard is managed by Erik Mallea, who we have worked with for about a decade with Sanford & Benedict Vineyard and La Rinconada Vineyard which are just to the East. Erik is very in tune with our Director of Winemaking, Bill Brosseau’s vision in winegrowing so we were eager to expand the partnership with this new vineyard source.

“The nose on this bottling is powerful with woodspice and incense aromas that float atop a core of dark boysenberry. The oak is prominent on the sip but it complements the rich berry jam and light pepper-spice flavors quite well.” Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast