© 2011 BY WAITS-MAST FAMILY CELLARS
2009 PINOT NOIR, LA ENCANTADA VINEYARD,
STA. RITA HILLS
The 2009 La Encantada Pinot Noir is our third single-barrel (less than 25 cases) wine from the striking Santa Rita Hills vineyard planted by Sta. Rita Hills pinot pioneer Richard Sanford. The vineyard was one of the first vineyards in Santa Barbara County to be certified organic by the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF). The hillside placement of this vineyard and its proximity to coastal fog and winds produces a low-vigor environment that delivers a balanced wine that is taut with an intensity of fruit and a rush of acidity.
Very similar to our 2008 vintage, this wine is well-rounded and well-structured. The color is vibrant ruby, showing great clarity. The aroma speaks of classic central/south coast pinot noir – cranberry, cherry, strawberry, a slight earthiness and a hint of cinnamon. On the palate, an intense but brooding red and dark berry flavor unfolds, with fine tannins, slight minerality and nice acidity. With this type of structure, the La Encantada will be a great wine for sharing with friends over dinner (think soy- and garlic-marinated skirt steak on the grill) and for tucking away in the cellar.
| Clones: | 115 / 777 |
| Harvest/Brix: | September 25, 2009 at 24.3 Brix |
| Fruit: | 100% whole berry (no stems) |
| Fermentation: | RC212 yeast |
| Barrel aging: | 17 months in French oak, 20% new (Francois Freres, MT) |
| Alcohol content: | 14.3% by volume |
| Bottled: | March, 2011 |
| Production: | 23 cases |
| Release date: | September, 2011 |
Suggested Retail Price: $47/bottle (750ml)
Drink now through 2018
