Summerland Fiddlestix Vineyard Pinot Noir

Santa Rita Hills AVA is one of 5 microclimate AVAs and is an exciting sub region of Santa Barbara County AVA. It produces elegant, structured Pinot Noir as well as racy Chardonnay thanks to a long sunny growing season, ocean proximity to the west with mountain ranges to the north and south. What does that mean? Well these mountain ranges funnel cool sea breezes and fog throughout the region which creates a some of the coolest summertime temperates, circulates the air and reduces rot. All of these awesome things makes the uber picky Pinot Noir grape VERY happy and produces elegant, structured wines.  Let’s not forget the soils which have some of the purest forms calcareous (think chalky soils of Chabis, Champagne and Burgundy) which contributes to the freshness and minerality of the wine.

Summerland Winery is a boutique located in Central Coast, California. They strive to seek out expressive lots of single vineyard wines that really show the true character of the region. Their focus is on small lot, vineyard designated Pinot Noir.  If you ever visit, be sure to bring your furry family member, they are dog friendly.

Summerland Fiddlestix Vineyard Pinot Noir 2015 

200 cases produced of this single vineyard Pinot Noir - I lucked out with bottle number 1592

Small lots aged in oak barrels.

The color is ruby at the core with garnet rim.  Vibrant aromas of cherry cola, strawberry, mulberry, vanilla, smoke earthy mushroom, minerals, nutmeg. 

Polished smooth tannins, firm acidity carries the flavors of strawberry, raspberry, cranberry, cherry cola, vanilla, smoke, earthy, mushrooms, minerals, nutmeg, cinnamon, rose petal, fennel that just lingers It’s suave yet dynamic, balanced and smooth. 

I paired this with old Quebec Spice (a tangy, peppery, garlic and cracked coriander mix) Seared Ahi Tuna steaks and roasted asparagus.  You could also match it with veal scallopini with wild mushrooms or a Brie and Caramelized Onion Tart.