Dierberg Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2022 Red Wine

Dierberg Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2022

750 ml

93+ pts. Jeb Dunnuck:

"The Dierberg family farms several estate vineyards across Santa Barbara, with the Sta. Rita Hills fruit coming from their Drum Canyon Vineyard, a steep, windswept site planted on a mix of sandy and clay soils. Tyler Thomas makes the wines, and the Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs here are always pure, balanced, and classically styled, with plenty of Sta. Rita Hills character."

From the hillside section of Drum Canyon Vineyard, the 2022 Pinot Noir Drum Canyon Vineyard was fully destemmed and aged 16 months in 37% new French oak. Redcurrants, red plums, savory herbs, graphite, and some subtle iron-like nuances all define the aromatics. It's medium-bodied, rich, and concentrated, with a balanced, layered, multi-dimensional mouthfeel. I like its overall balance, and it has the structure to evolve gracefully over the coming decade. Drink 2025-2035."

92 pts. Vinous:

"The 2022 Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills), all from Drum Canyon, is terrific. Wild cherry, rose petal, spice, blood orange and dried herbs are front and center. A bit somber in this vintage, the appellation Pinot has good depth and fine balance, nevertheless. The aromatics alone are beguiling."

This Pinot Noir is a lovely representation of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Very well balanced, with equal parts of fruit, earth, and spice flavors. Pairs extremely well with so many foods, like poultry, fish, pork and vegetarian dishes. So easy to drink, you'll have a hard time putting it down! - Wine Factor

FROM THE WINERY

VINTAGE NOTES

The 2022 growing season at Drum Canyon reflected the site’s unique coastal influence. A cool, damp winter was followed by a mild spring, leading to an even bud break and steady growth through the early season. As is typical at Drum Canyon, persistent marine fog and brisk winds kept vigor in check and stretched the ripening curve, preserving natural acidity and building layered aromatics.

Summer conditions were moderate overall, with steady cool nights and gentle daytime warmth. A late-season heat event in September briefly accelerated ripening, but the vineyard’s elevation and exposure allowed the fruit to retain balance. Yields were modest, with smaller clusters and berries translating to wines of concentration and precision.

WINEMAKER NOTES

2022 will be defined by a vineyard's ability to mitigate early September heat spells and how one was able to retain Sta. Rita Hills' characteristic freshness. Some of our fruit was picked ahead of the heat, some afterwards. The latter's integrity held up well (we learned to rely on this from certain blocks in 2017 & 2020), and some stainless steel aging was introduced to maintain a sense of reduction and freshness. The 2022 vintage delivered classic Drum Canyon character: bright, saline-driven acidity, fine structure, and expressive aromatics. The wines show freshness and energy, alongside the depth and textural nuance that have become hallmarks of this vineyard.

 Alcohol 14.2%

Harvested September 2022

Oak Aging: 15% new French, 60% Neutral Feudre, 25% Stainless Steel

Aged 15 months

Bottled Dec.2023