The 2017 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills is made using fruit from the Domaine de la Côte vineyards (80%) with the rest from the Sanford & Benedict vineyard and was 100% destemmed and aged in neutral barrels. Pale to medium ruby, the nose slowly opens to pretty layers of spice and savory fruit, with aromas of rose petal, sliced blueberries, warm Bing cherries, wild blackberries, peppered salami, amaro and raspberry jam. Light to medium-bodied, the palate gives up lots of spices and savory notes with ripe, grainy tannins and seamless acidity, finishing long and nuanced. - EB

This is a fascinating wine. It's both hearty and loaded with savory greener flavors—an unusual combination. Aromas of dark plum, tobacco and green sage lead into a palate that is both dense and zesty, showing more plum offset by Earl Grey tea, green peppercorn and pine needle. MATT KETTMANN