VOLUME 12, ISSUE 34
December 30, 2022
ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE:
A Commonplace Bucket of Pinot Noir: Quotes, Ephemera, and Thoughts The Prince Retires (this time for good)

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Vineyard: John Sebastiano

AppellationSta. Rita Hills
VarietiesPinot Noir

Articles mentioning wines produced from this vineyard

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2016 Siduri John Sebastiano Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., pH 3.52, TA 0.59, $55, screw cap. 100% de-stemmed. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Intriguing aromas of dark berry mash, oak spice and rose petal. Sleek and sexy in the mouth in a mid weight plus style with waves of purple and blackberry fruits underlain with vibrant acidity. The whole package is harmonious with an uplifting finish. Score: 93. Reviewed November 17, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Paul Lato “Atticus” John Sebastiano Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., $75. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The nose is mainly red fruited with added aromas of rose petal, spice and forest. Beautifully ripened strawberry, black raspberry and black cherry fruits are long in the mouth and unusually juicy. This debutante is refined and silky, with balanced tannins and complimentary oak and baking spice accents. The amazing finish lasts at least a minute. Score: 94. Reviewed June 9, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Peake Ranch Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 250 cases, $40. Proprietors John and Gillian Wagner, winemaker is Paul Lato. 100% John Sebastiano Vineyard grapes. Clones 667, 115 and Swan. 3-day cold soak, RC 212 yeast, 17 days on the skins, aged in French oak barrels, 40% new. Fined with egg whites, unfiltered. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. A boisterous wine featuring aromas and flavors of blackberry, black current, earth and oak. Good attack and follow through with some finishing length. Appealingly silky in texture with integrated tannins. More enjoyable when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 91. Reviewed June 9, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Siduri John Sebastiano Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 190 cases, $55, screwcap. Released September 2017. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Gracious aromas of dark cherry and berry, granola and toast. Plenty of black raspberry and boysenberry fruit flavor to satisfy in a fruit driven, mid weight style with complimentary oak in the background. Perfectly fine, with some, but not exceptional length on the finish. Score: 91. Reviewed September 24, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Weatherborne Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., pH 3.65, 450 cases, $35, screwcap. Released April 2016. Winemaker Chris Carter is a one-man operation producing one wine. Composed of grapes from John Sebastiano (72%) and Kessler-Haak (18%) vineyards. Harvest Brix 23.9º. 38% whole cluster, aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 10% new. · Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, purple grape and sandalwood are followed in the mouth by a juicy, mid weight core of cherry delight that attacks with intention and brings the mid palate to life. Smooth and comforting, with commendable oak management and a delightful, spice-laden finish. Score: 91. Reviewed August 17, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Carlson John Sebastiano Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $45. Winemaker is Chuck Carlson, vinified in Los Olivos. · Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. The nose is largely oak-driven (sandalwood and smoky), with added cherry fruit and baking spice aromas. The palate is oak-charged, but there is charming cherry fruit that is complimented by spice. The acidity and tannins are in harmony and there is some generosity to the finish. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, there was considerable oak-driven notes of toast and cigar and the wine had lost some appeal for me. Score: 86. Reviewed January 16, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Couloir Wines John Sebastiano Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., 196 cases, $52. · Dark reddish purple color in the glass. Inviting aromas of blackberry jam, soy, potpourri and earthy flora. The wine explodes with glorious fruit on entry, saturating the mid palate with delicious flavors of black raspberry, plum and spice, finishing with both length and intensity. Impeccably balanced with vibrant acidity and integrated tannins, this beauty offers a sublime experience for hedonists. Score: 94. Reviewed August 16, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Byron John Sebastiano Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 349 cases, $55. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 45% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Boastful black cherry fruit aromas are shy but appealing. Oak-kissed flavors of black cherry and boysenberry are elevated with juicy acidity. Discretely concentrated, with a silky mouthfeel, and some notable fruit engages on the finish. Score: 92. Reviewed December 13, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Siduri John Sebastiano Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.54, TA 0.68, 181 cases, $55, screwcap. Release November 16, 2016. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. I have had consistently fine wines from this vineyard and this bottling is no exception. Well-perfumed with aromas of boysenberry, blackberry and balsam. Delicious mid weight plus purple berry melange coats the tongue, progressing to a notably long and intense finish. Very special, with welcome oak and spice nuances and impeccable balance. I really liked this wine. Score: 93. Reviewed October 30, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Peake Ranch John Sebastiano Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 245 cases, $65. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Boysenberry fruit aromas are joined by scents of oak spice and woody stem. The middleweight core of juicy boysenberry and blackberry fruit is enticing and nicely spiced but a savory woody thread shadows the fruit. Silky and refined, with commendable balance and a juicy, quenching finish. Score: 89. Reviewed October 30, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Dolin John Sebastiano Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., 340 cases, $45. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Very ripe fruited, with aromas and flavors of dark berry jam, cassis and raisin. Mid weight plus in style offering a silky mouth feel and ingratiating tannins but not much finish. The fruit has a roasted quality and there is an additional tutti-fruity note. Score: 87. Reviewed March 17, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Siduri John Sebastiano Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 443 cases, $50, screwcap. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Very fragrant with uplifting aromas of black cherry, spice and toasty oak. The fruit core really sings in this wine, featuring flavors of black cherry, black raspberry and plum, with accents of black tea and anise. The vivid fruit is brought to life with juicy acidity typical of Sta. Rita Hills. A touch heavy-handed with oak, but the fruit really pops in this wine, and the finish has amazing length. I continue to be impressed with wines from this vineyard. Score: 92. Reviewed June 14, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Couloir John Sebastiano Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 193 cases, $52. 35% whole cluster. Aged 12 months in 100% French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Subdued, but pleasant aromas of crushed berries, pomegranate and a whisper of toasty oak. Intense, concentrated, yet vibrant, with flavors of sweet boysenberry, blueberry and pomegranate in a mid weight plus style. The oak is nicely integrated, the modest tannins are supportive, and the juicy finish is fueled by vibrant acidity typical of the Sta. Rita Hills. This vineyard impresses me of late in vineyard-designated wines made by several producers. Score: 93. Reviewed May 14, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Paul Lato “Atticus” John Sebastiano Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., $70. Unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. This wine stands out from the crowd. Enticing perfume of black raspberry jam, tobacco oak and nori. Effortless and harmonious, with racy flavors of black raspberry, boysenberry and plum attacking with intent and persisting through a finish that won’t quit. The oak is very complimentary, the tannins are balanced, and the acidity is spot on. Stay for the finish. Score: 94. Reviewed May 14, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Siduri Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 1,834 cases, $32. Released April 2014. A blend of fruit from John Sebastiano, Clos Pepe and Cargasacchi vineyards. · Moderately dark reddish purple hue in the glass. Oak-kissed blackberry, cassis and vanilla aromas. Vivid and juicy on the palate, with a packed and stacked complement of sweet black cherry and blackberry fruits underlain with a good cut of acidity and backed by modest tannins. Very approachable now. Score: 90. Reviewed April 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Dragonette Cellars Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 875 cases, $44. A blend of several vineyards including John Sebastiano (60%), Fiddlestix, La Encantada, Zotovich, Radian, and Bent Rock. Clones 113, 114, 115, 667, “828,” 777 and Pommard 4. 92% de-stemmed, 4 to 7-day cold soak, native and commercial yeasts. Aged 15 months on lees in 18% new French oak. Unfined and unfiltered. · Dark reddish purple color in the glass. High-spirited aromas of blackberry, cassis, toasty oak and a hint of spice. Mid to full-bodied, oak-kissed array of dark fruits with integrated tannins and some finishing intensity. Showy and satisfying, and a solid everyday wine, albeit a bit too much oak sheen for me. Score: 89. Reviewed July 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Siduri John Sebastiano Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 352 cases, $48. Released April 2014. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Enticing aromas of blackberry jam, sassafras, vanilla and earthy flora. Delicious array of dark cherry and berry fruits supported by suave tannins. Very charming soft mouth feel with plenty of finishing grace. A very appealing, beautifully composed and seamless wine that will only get better in the cellar. A real standout. Score: 94. Reviewed April 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Paul Lato “Atticus” John Sebastiano Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $70. Unfiltered. · Moderate Bing cherry color in the glass. The scent of fresh berries is long and persistent and the slightest oak adds a compliment. Soft as an angel’s hair and very plush on the palate with mid weight plus flavors of spiced dark raspberry and blueberry. Oak provides just the right amount of seasoning, and the finish has some respectable length. The texture really stands out in this wine. Score: 91. Reviewed August 25, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 BARDEN Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

13.1% alc., $85. Zotovich Family, La Encantada and John Sebastiano vineyards. 30% whole cluster, ambient yeast fermentation, aged 9 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. Unfined and unfiltedred. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Plenty of oak overlay in this wine which has an appealing core of bright cherry fruit. Vivid and vibrant with zippy acidity. Score: 88-89. Reviewed April 4, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Paul Lato “Atticus” John Sebastiano Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 125 cases, $65. Unfiltered. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Redder fruits are featured on the nose with hints of cardamom spice and earth. Relatively light and delicate, with shy flavors of dark red and purple fruits with a hint of oak. Seamless with a pleasing tangy cherry drop finish. Doesn’t excite initially, but offers more gifts over time in the glass. This is a wine that is still somewhat closed and needs patience. Score: 88. Reviewed September 29, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Paul Lato “Atticus” John Sebastiano Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 125 cases, $65. · Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Masses of perfume emerge over time in the glass revealing scents of perfectly ripe dark berries, black currants, wood shed and spice. Mouthfilling flavors of blackberries and black plums with an earthy undertone, expanding in the mouth and lingering long and stout on the finish. Very silky on the palate with suave tannins. A harmonious wine with a fruit core that is extremely pure and vivid. Reviewed October 2, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

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