Soil & Vineyards: Gazos Clay Loam over Shale. A blend of fruit from Domaine de la Côte, La Encantada, La Rinconada and Sanford & Benedict vineyards.
Production & Aging: Native yeast fermentation using 1/3 whole clusters with occasional punching down during 3 week maceration before pressing into barrel. Aged 18 months in French oak barrels. 10% new oak.
The 2018 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills Cuvee is a gorgeous appellation-level wine.
Crushed flowers, mint, sage, cedar, tobacco, star anise and rose petal give the
2018 a striking aromatic upper register. Savory, deep and yet light on its feet, the
2018 has so much to offer. This is such a pretty wine, and a terrific introduction
to both the vintage and the Racines lineup. Vineyard sites are Domaine de la
Côte, Encantada and a few barrels from S&B. 92 pts
— Antonio Galloni, VINOUS