2018 Pinot Noir - Lotus, Sta. Rita Hills
92 points - Wine & Spirits
Clean, pure dark berry aromatics, mouth-coating texture on palate helps round out the bright acidity and red fruit/pomegranate punch on the finish. This lush and complex wine has great depth and an extra-long, lingering finish. -Matt Brady, Winemaker
The 2018 Pinot Noir Lotus Reserve was harvested on September 13 and October 2, 2018 with brix at harvest of 24.2 and 23.8, respectively. This wine was fermented 70% whole cluster with native yeasts, pressed to 50% new French oak and 50% neutral French oak, and spent 14 months in barrel before being bottled in February 2020. It was then bottle-aged for 30 months. This wine had a finished alcohol of 13.7%, a pH of 3.59, and a TA of 6.2 g/L. 42 cases were made.
| Vintage | 2018 |
| Varietal | 100% Pinot Noir |
| Appellation | Sta. Rita Hills |
| Harvest Date | 09/13/2018 |
| Acid | 6.2 g/L |
| PH | 3.59 |
| Aging | 14 months in 50% new French oak |
| Fermentation | Native Yeast |
| Alcohol | 13.70% |
| Wine Style | 70% Whole Cluster |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Bottling Date | 02/07/2020 |
92 Points - Wine & Spirits
"A Sta. Rita Hills reserve from several vineyards, this wine is exceptionally well-built, powerfully structured and youthful for a 2018. Scents of black cherry and cedar have an earthy, peppery component that’s grounding and fairly intense..." -P.J.C.
91 Points - Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast
"Smashed plum, cinnamon, tomato confit and a touch of chili powder show on the layered nose of this bottling. Tart plum and herb flavors meet with a richer candied cherry note on the palate, which is dusted in cracked rainbow peppercorn spice." - Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast
