Soil & Vineyard: Santa Lucia shaly clay loam. From the upper plantings of La Rinconada in deep, dark rocky soils. This is a Mt Eden clone selection brought down and planted early on by Richard Sanford, considered the pioneer of grape growing in the Sta. Rita Hills area.

Production and Aging: Native yeast fermentation using 2/3 whole clusters with occasional punching down during 3 week maceration before pressing into barrel. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels before bottling. 10% new oak.

The 2017 Pinot Noir La Rinconada is powerful and explosive in the glass, with tremendous structural intensity driving a deep expression of site. Lavender, sage, mint, savory herbs and rich blue-toned fruit give the 2017 a distinctly virile, somber personality. Readers will have to be patient, as the 2017 is going to need time to be at its best. 93pts. -- Antonio Galloni