94 Points -
"The 2019 Pinot Noir Truly Rita, from Dierberg-Drum Canyon in the Sta. Rita Hills, is a big potent wine. Huge tannins wrap around a core of blue/purplish fruit. Lavender, mocha, spice, chocolate, gravel, incense, and licorice add to the wine's brooding intensity. Give this muscular Pinot a few years to soften." —Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Dec 2022
Tasting Notes
Aromas of wild cherry, crushed violets, and a Rooibos tea-like note of earth and spice, complement the notes of salinity and ripe cherry. With polished tannin and a lengthy finish, this very elegant wine shows the beauty of Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir.
Historic Acclaim
2018: 93 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Jan 2021
2018: 92 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous, August 2020
2017: 95 points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com, June 2020
2017: 93 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Feb 2020
2016: 94 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous, May 2019
2016: 93 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Feb 2019
Vineyard & Vintage Character
Fruit for our Truly Rita Pinot Noir comes from the well-respected Dierberg – Drum Canyon site. This vineyard is on a steep slope facing the Pacific Ocean and is influenced by the cool ocean breezes every day. Our blocks are planted to three selections: Swan, Calera, and Dijon 115. The well-drained and calcium-rich soils, combined with the cool climate produces a wine that is very graceful but with powerful underlying texture.
Wine Details
Oak: 100% French oak, 22% new
Time in oak: 16 months
Alcohol: 14.4%
TA: 6.2 g/L
pH: 3.47
Cases produced: 164