Loma Alta, “tall hill” in Spanish, is one of our select micro-production individual block Pinot Noirs. It comes from a block of clone 115 Pinot Noir near the top of the Rinconada Vineyard (on the ridgeline adjacent to S&B). This rocky slope has a northwestern exposure with excellent drainage. The combination of clone and site produces an elegant wine with aromas of black raspberry and earthy loam with hints of cinnamon and anise. The palate presents vibrant berry and spice flavors, velvety texture, balanced by lively acidity. This limited bottling of 200 cases is very approachable now, but has the structure and balance for cellaring (up to 10 years). With its lovely soft tannins, the wine will pair beautifully with poached salmon, roast duck or mild creamy cheeses.

TASTING NOTES: The palate presents vibrant berry and spice flavors, velvety texture, balanced by lively acidity.

AROMA NOTES: Aromas of black raspberry and earthy loam with hints of cinnamon and anise.

APPELLATION: Sta. Rita Hills
VINEYARD: La Rinconada
BRIX AT HARVEST: 23.4
AGING: 13 months in French Oak (33% new)
MALOLACTIC: 100%
PH: 3.3
TITRATABLE ACIDITY: 6.6 grams/L
ALCOHOL: 14.4%
BOTTLING DATES: November 20, 2014
RELEASE DATES: September, 2015
CASES PRODUCED: 200

92 Points: "A small step up over the straight La Rinconada Vineyard, the 2013 Pinot Noir La Rinconada Vineyard Loma Alta has more obvious structure and focus, with beautiful tannin, lots of minerality and classic notes of Bing cherries, crushed rocks, licorice and ripe herbs. Coming all from clone 115, this is a serious and beautifully balanced wine that will be better in 2-3 years and drink nicely through 2025." - Jeb Dunnuck