MT 2018 Pinot Noir

Sta. Rita Hills, California | Sanford & Benedict Vineyard

The 2018 Co^lluvial™ “MT” Pinot bottling is grounded in the majesty of California’s Santa Rita Hills AVA (American Viticultural Area). The fruit is drawn from the Sanford & Benedict Vineyard.  First planted in 1971, this vineyard is home to the oldest Pinot Noir vines in Santa Barbara County. Named one of the five most important and iconic vineyards in California by Wine Enthusiast, the Sanford & Benedict Vineyard is renowned for both its historical significance and the continued quality of the fruit it produces.  The vineyard has some of the most complex soils we have been lucky enough to work with.  Mostly clay and clay loam, this hillside vineyard is also strewn with pockets of limestone, fracture shale, chert and other sedimentary deposits. This mixture gives the soil great water holding capacity from the clay but breaks up the matrix by aeration and drainage from the stony components.

Tasting Notes

A complex nose of intermingled flowers, potpourri, cherries, earth and sea spray.  On the palate red and dark fruits, earth, forest floor and spice with a signature S&B vineyard hint of orange rind.  This wine packs a lot of complexity with great-mid palate depth, light tannins and long mineral finish which will reward cellaring for years to come.  Fernando B. Fernandez – Winemaker

“Toasty aromas of wood, mace and cinnamon weave through the Bing cherry and red-plum aromas on the nose of this bottling. The palate leans into the riper flavors of baked strawberry soaked in cinnamon and dusted with herbs.”92 Points – Matt Kettmann – Wine Enthusiast

“An appealing array of spice elements suffuses the high-toned essence of red cherry, poached plum, rose petal and a hint of lilac. The succulent and equally suave medium weight flavors are quite refined, indeed even silky, while delivering fine punch and sneaky good persistence on the sappy finale. This is an interesting wine as it seems built more on finesse yet there is good power lurking in the background. Some patience recommended.” 92Pts/2026+ Allen Meadows’ Burghound Issue #87

“Suave, with accents of hot stone to the dried berry and cherry flavors, backed by fresh acidity. Minerally richness on the palate lingers into the creamy and spicy finish. Drink now through 2024. 133 cases made.”— 90 Pts KM-Wine Spectator

Food Pairings

Eggplant Fritters & Aged Cheeses. Fried Fish & Chips would pair perfectly with this bottling at its youth or Spanish Seafood Paella.

To download the full Co^lluvial™ Information Sheet, click here.