L'usine 2018 Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills

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Description

L’Usine 2018 Pinot Noir from Santa Rita Hills is a richly expressive, classic California Pinot pairing vivid red fruit with earthy complexity. With nuanced aromas of cherries, pomegranate, and figs, it delivers both texture and finesse. A wine for those who enjoy Pinot Noir with personality — ready now but also with ability to age for several more years. Key Specs & Origins Feature Detail Producer L’Usine Winery (David “Dave” Phinney) Vintage 2018 Varietal 100% Pinot Noir AVA / Region Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County, California, USA  Alcohol ~15.2% ABV Oak / Aging French oak barrels, ~40% new; around 9 months barrel aging; lees touch; hand-harvested fruit; cold soak before fermentation; extended maceration on skins  Tasting Profile Element Notes Appearance Pale to medium ruby-purple with a hint of blush at the rim; shows clarity and bright color.  Nose / Aroma Fresh pomegranate seeds; strawberry gelato; fig leaf; red berry perfume; vanilla crème; hints of wild sage and wild herbs.  Palate / Taste Layers of strawberry preserves, red currant, rhubarb crisp; more dark fruit like mulberries and Bing cherries; spice including pepper, hints of dried sage; balanced oak tannins; subtle chocolate and vanilla from oak; lively acidity giving freshness.  Finish Long and fragrant; fine-grained tannins; earth / herbal notes; pepper / lemon/brine edges; elegant persistence.  Critic Scores & Recognition Source Score / Rating Robert Parker 94 Points Wine Enthusiast 93 Points  What Makes It Special Terroir Expression: Santa Rita Hills is a cool-coastal AVA; the fog, marine influence, and soils allow Pinot to retain bright fruit and freshness while developing complexity. Winemaking Craft: Hand-harvested, cold soaked, use of ~40% new French oak, careful skin contact during fermentation—all these contribute to layered flavor without overwhelming oak.  Power + Elegance Balance: Though relatively high in alcohol (~15.2%), the wine manages to balance richness with acidity and herbal/earthy undertones. It isn’t shy.  Strengths & Potential Considerations Strengths Great for those who like bold, fruit-driven Pinot with character—cherries, berries, herbs, oak, spice. Strong aromatics and finish that make it enjoyable both on its own and with food. Good aging potential: can be enjoyed now with decanting but likely to improve further over next 5-7 years.  Things to Keep in Mind The oak and alcohol may overshadow delicate fruit for those preferring lighter, more subtle or ultra-cool climate Pinot. Price point is premium; pairing thoughtfully or decanting helps get the most value. It’s expressive and bold—so unlikely to be considered subtle or minimalist Pinot. Suggested Pairings & Serving Decant lightly (~30-40 minutes) to help aromas open up.  Serve in Burgundy Pinot glasses to highlight perfume. Temperature ~15-17 °C (59-63 °F).  Pair with duck breast, mushroom risotto, pork loin with berry compote, cherry sauce; also roast chicken with herbs; mélange of earthy vegetarian dishes.

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