Whitcraft Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2022

Whitcraft Winery was founded in 1985 by Chris and Kathleen Whitcraft, with their son Drake taking charge in 2007 and setting out to make pure, honest and delicate Central Coast wine. This Pinot Noir is sourced from plots in the Sta. Rita Hills within Santa Barbara County, an unusual east-west valley that funnels cool Pacific air and fog inland. That maritime influence and the wide day-to-night temperature swing slow ripening and preserve acidity, which is why the wine stays fresh and restrained at 13 percent. The vineyards are farmed organically. After fermentation the wine is aged for twelve months in French oak barrels, a measured regime in which slow oxygen exchange softens the tannin and adds a light spice while keeping the focus on the fruit and the site. It is medium ruby, with red cherry, raspberry and cranberry on the nose lifted by dried herbs, black pepper and an earthy, savoury undertone. The palate is medium bodied and supple, with fine tannin, bright acidity and a clean, mineral finish. Serve at around 16 degrees in a Burgundy glass. A versatile match for poultry, duck and salmon.