Dragonette Cellars, Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara, California, 2022

Overview of the Wine
Brothers John and Steve Dragonette and close friend Brandon Sparks-Gillis founded Dragonette Cellars in 2005 after having worked together at a renowned wine shop in Los Angeles. Their shared passion for great wine brought them to wild, windy and remote northern Santa Barbara County where they spent the next several years seeking out extraordinary, cool-climate vineyards and dedicating themselves to careful, patient, minimalist winemaking.

As vignerons, they have committed themselves, above all else, to the mindful farming of precise blocks in exceptional vineyards for low yields and high quality and to the shepherding of these grapes into wines of purity, complexity and balance. Given the remarkable climatic and soil diversity in Santa Barbara County, Dragonette Cellars produces small lots of Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah of interest and distinction.

Grape / Blend
Pinot Noir

Origin
Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara, California

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
This wine was crafted from selected barrels from all of our Pinot Noir vineyards in order to make a wine of great flavor, complexity and harmony. We chose barrels that demonstrate approachability, an engaging personality, freshness and charm. The wine is comprised of grapes from Fiddlestix (32%) Radian (22%), Sanford & Benedict (12%), Bentrock (10%), Rancho La Vina (6%), La Rinconada (6%), Spear (6%) and Duvarita (6%), each block of which was carefully followed all season, harvested with field sorting and processed within hours. 

The various barrels of wine were aged 15 months on their lees in neutral French oak barriques, then blended and bottled without filtration. The 2022 vintage plays up the exuberant red and black fruit with a great mid-palate concentration, juiciness and complexity, and long rich finish. We think it would be great with roast chicken, hearty root vegetables, and of course charcoal grilled steaks. Approachable, but the wine will age over the medium term on its balance and concentration.

91 Points - Vinous
The 2022 Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills) is a terrific introduction to this range. Crushed flowers, bright, red-toned fruit, rose petal and spice are nicely lifted. A touch of whole clusters (4%) adds aromatic pop. This mid-weight, gracious Pinot is all class. 

Product size: 750ml