Mission Codename Crown jewel
If you’re a fan of lighter-styled, Burgundian Pinot, or a devout believer of the IPOB (in pursuit of balance) philosophy, well you should probably back right out of this email. However, If you like the Aubert / Martinelli / Belle Glos style - which is to say, Pinot Noir with 1,000 lb. rocket thrusters powering it, here’s your ticket (at 55% OFF!!) to the moon and back.
In his 94 point review, Jeb Dunnuck called it “a rock star Pinot Noir,” and a “smoky, rich, powerful wine,” while Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate hailed a “gorgeous perfume of chocolate-covered cherries, black raspberries and redcurrants with hints of violets and rosehip tea.” This wine has a serious pedigree too; born from Rita’s Crown Vineyard, one of the most treasured sites in St Rita Hills and crafted by Kimberly Hatcher, who honed her style while working under Russel “100 Points” Bevan.
This stuff hits your palate with such a force, it’s like a bottled misdemeanor assault - except you’ll be begging for more of the black raspberry liqueur, spiced plum jam, chocolate-dipped maraschino cherries and lavish oak that every hit delivers. Words like MASSIVELY concentrated, rich, opulent, and expansive come close to describing this stuff but it’s truly difficult to fathom or describe. The sheer depth of fruit, like a black hole, has such terrific concentration it might have its own gravitational pull. The finish stretches longer than a month of quarantine with small children. You get the picture…
Simply put, this is a Pinot for Cabernet lovers.
With 94 points and a hefty 55% discount expect it to fly! BUT there were only 150 cases made and we took everything that was left…which probably wasn’t enough to satisfy the hoards of thirsty Pinot lovers. Take a moment right now to throw at least one into your locker. The quality at this price is incomparable.
Here’s what the wine press has to say:
94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck - “Moving to the reds, the 2016 Pinot Noir Rita’s Crown is another smoky, rich, powerful wine from Kimberly Hatcher. Full-bodied notes of blackcurrants, leafy herbs, shrimp broth, and spice all flow to a layered, incredibly textured Pinot Noir that stays balanced and seamless. It’s a rock star Pinot Noir to drink over the coming 7-8 years. Drink 2019-2027.”
Tasting Profile
Tasting Profile
Look | Intensely dark, almost impenetrable purple |
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Smell | A decadent and rich melange of sweet oak, stewed cherries, and blackberry jam with a hint of tilled soil and mineral spice |
Taste | Rich and mouthcoating dark red and black fruit - ripe cherry, brambly blackberry, sweet vanilla and chocolate. |
Finish | Long and drawn out, it sees to stick to every inch of your palate |
Pairing | Capable of standing alone, but ideal for richer braised meats, ragu pasta, or grilled steaks |
What the Winery Says
2016 Rita's Crown Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
- Winemaker
- Kimberly Hatcher
- Varietal
- 100% Pinot Noir
- Vintage
- 2016
- Appellation
- Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County
- Vineyard
- Rita’s Crown Vineyard
- Abv
- 15.1%
- Aging
- 18 months
- Barrels
- 100% new French oak
- Production
- 6 barrels