Current Release
2017 Pinot Noir, Radian Vineyard
Radian is one of the most dramatic, remote and extreme sites in Santa Barbara County. Located at the far western edge of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation, high atop the sparse, chaparral and poison oak studded Santa Rosa Hills, it literally wraps itself around crevasses and steep cliffs. The top blocks provide a direct sightline to mighty Pacific Ocean, whose influence completely dominates the site, from the cold, powerful winds, to the salty air and the presence of diatomaceous earth (ancient fossilized algae) in the soils. We identified this site at its inception and chose a (semi-vertical) patchwork quilt of blocks, each of which yields a tiny crop of small clusters. The resulting wines are deep and intense, with a fascinating mineral streak and a remarkable depth of flavor even at lower alcohol levels. We have received several outstanding reviews on these wines.
The 2017 vintage provided the lowest yields we have ever experienced at Radian (only 35% of expected). The grapes that were picked, however, were of extremely high quality, albeit in a darker, more masculine and musclebound manner. The wine was aged on its lees for 18 months in French oak barrels (38% new). The wine has great complexity and depth of flavor balanced by terrific energy and mineral notes. Extremely Limited, Only 300 cases produced, most of which will go to the Wine Club.
97 Points Jeb Dunnuck who said, “This gorgeous, multi-dimensional, layered Pinot Noir ranks with the finest releases in the vintage.”
Wine Profile
| Vintage | 2017 |
|---|---|
| Varietal | Pinot Noir |
| Alcohol % | 13.9 |
| Size | 750 ml |