Etude Fiddlestix Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 Red Wine

Etude Fiddlestix Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 

Sta. Rita Hills AVA, CA

750 ml

94 pts. James Suckling:

"Aromas of blue fruit and crushed cloves with some violet and purple fruits. Medium body, creamy and fine tannins and a lovely, subtle yet intensely flavored and tensioned finish. Drink or hold."

93 pts. Wine Spectator:

"Suave in feel, this nicely done version lets a long wave of mulberry and loganberry fruit unfurl slowly, with threads of apple wood, singed red tea and blood orange pâte de fruit emerging steadily through the finish. Underlying tension helps provide support. Drink now through 2029. 1,183 cases made."

This single-vineyard Pinot Noir is a classic example of just how excellent the Sta. Rita Hills AVA is for growing the finicky Pinot Noir grape. This wine is earthy and bold, with deep dark fruit flavors. Take in the nose and you get transported to the Sta. Rita Hills. Ah, such a happy place! - Wine Factor

FROM THE WINERY

FIDDLESTIX VINEYARD

The vineyard lies a few miles inland along the Santa Ynez River bench at the western end of the Santa Ynez Valley. Fiddlestix is consistently influenced by Pacific currents but sits low enough against the hills to receive some protection from the area’s strong afternoon winds. Exposure to coastal breezes and fog ensures cooling throughout extended sunny days, which helps add depth and vibrancy to the fruit. Temperatures are rarely above the mid-70s. In 35 small blocks on 96 acres, a variety of rootstocks and clones are planted in well-draining Gazos and Batella clay loam and calcareous marine shale, providing complexity and diversity.

VINTAGE

Santa Barbara County’s 2021 season is considered excellent. The growing season was mild, slow and steady, with consistently moderate weather stretching from bud break to harvest. Spring winds and rain were scarce, which allowed for favorable fruit set. The season brought few heat spells and no frost events. Grapes developed slowly, with smaller berries than normal, smaller cluster weights and lower yields. The fruit displayed excellent flavor and acidity, with beautiful dark color.

WINEMAKING

The grapes for this wine were harvested at night to preserve freshness and integrity. They were placed in open-top fermenters for 3-5 days of cold maceration followed by fermentation. A small percentage of the grapes were left as whole cluster to preserve the buoyancy of aromatics of the fruit and to add structure and refinement to the wine. Punch downs were performed during the early stages of fermentation with the extraction becoming gentler as the wine became dry and followed with a quiet extended maceration to help modify the richness and mouthfeel of the wine. The wine was lightly pressed into small French oak barrels where it rested for 12 months.

TASTING NOTES

With a vibrant ruby-red, garnet hue, this Fiddlestix Pinot Noir presents effusive aromas of black cherry, marionberry, red currant, and plum, resembling a delightful berry confiture. These flavors seamlessly carry through from the fruit aromas, delivering a nice texture complemented by youthful fine tannins, crushed stone minerality, a rich mid-palate mouthfeel, and a persistent presence on the palate. Its bright acidity lends a juicy, saline touch, leading to a long, lingering finish. This Pinot Noir boasts a rich fruit palate and a focused structure, making it an ideal choice for aging gracefully, with its prime enjoyment window spanning from 3 to 8 years.

ALC: 14.8%

PH: 3.42

TA : 6.11 g/L