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2020 Alma Rosa Caracol Pinot Noir

Lightly elevated cork

Removed from a temperature and humidity controlled wine cellar; Purchased at retail

Ends Sunday, 7pm Pacific

RATINGS

96The Wine Advocate

...aromas of lilac, pomegranate and blueberries with touches of truffle, cinnamon and licorice, blossoming to more detail...medium-bodied palate features loads of chalky tannins, seamless freshness and notably concentrated, spicy red fruits, finishing long and powerful.

95Jeb Dunnuck

...beautifully complex, with lots of spiced red and black fruits as well as notes of new leather, spicy wood, and flowers. As with the other wines here, it brings plenty of richness, is medium to full-bodied, has ripe tannins, and is just packed with charm and character.

94Vinous / IWC

Dark plum, lavender, spice, menthol, licorice and mocha all soar out of the glass.

REGION

United States, California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County, Santa Rita Hills

Santa Rita Hills AVA in northern Santa Barbara County was granted appellation status in 2001. Located between the towns of Lompoc and Buellton, it has a total area of 30,720 acres with 2,700 vineyard acres. The area is considered a cool climate for vineyards, so vineyards are most often planted with the cool-weather grapes Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The hills in the western part of this appellation are directly exposed to the Pacific Ocean, meaning that maritime winds and fog make the western edge of the Santa Rita Hills AVA particularly cool. The Sanford & Benedict Vineyard planted in 1971 was the first vineyard in the district and is still considered one of the best.

TYPE

Red Wine, Pinot Noir

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.