Racines Sainte Rose Pinot Noir

Racines is a collaboration by two classic houses from France, led by Etienne de Montille and Brian Sieve of Burgundy and Rodolphe Peters of Champagne. The team came together to join their individual experiences in hand-crafting wines of purity and transparency to create a range of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the cool climate of the Sta. Rita Hills in California.

The Pinot Noir Saint Rose a new wine in this lineup. This is a blend of the best barrels from Domaine de la Côte and La Encantada vineyards. Ripe red cherry, blood orange, spice, menthol and a good deal of savoriness from the 50% whole clusters are front and center. Pliant and creamy, this wine is so expressive today. A few years in bottle should help the tannins soften.

94 points – Antonio Galloni, Vinous