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: La Encantada

OwnersRichard Sanford, Thekla Sanford
AppellationSta. Rita Hills
Story100-acre site planted in 2000 and the first certified organic vineyard in Santa Barbara County. Situated at the cooler western edge of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA where it is often blanketed by fog. Planted by Richard Sanford mostly to Pinot Noir, with a few acres of Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris.
VarietiesPinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir

Articles mentioning wines produced from this vineyard

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2015 Byron La Encantada Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

13.2% alc., $55. Clone 777. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 55% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, underbrush, woodland spice and cigar lead to well-spiced flavors of black cherry and boysenberry. Sleek in the mouth with balanced tannins and a modest but satisfying finish. There is a bit too much oak barrel intrusion, but otherwise this is a delightful wine. Score: 91. Reviewed July 21, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Wedell Cellars Sta. Rita Hills Rosé of Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 12 cases, $12. Harvest Brix 24.5º. A saignée from 14 vineyard blocks and clones from four vineyards that the winery sources grapes from: Fiddlestix, Sanford & Benedict, La Encantada and Rancho La Vina. Fermented in neutral French oak barrels for 2 weeks, then aged on lees in these barrels for 15 months. 100% malolactic fermentation. Gently filtered. All proceeds from sale of this wine go to breast cancer charity. · Moderate pinkish orange color in the glass. Pungent, with some volatile acidity initially, becoming more pleasing over time in the glass offering aromas of peach, pastry cream and roasted nuts. Soft and smooth on the palate, with flavors of red berry, pomegranate, blood orange and strawberry, finishing with a lift of acidity. Score: 87. Reviewed October 2, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Sweetzer Cellars Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 529 cases, pH 3.59, TA 0.59, $35. Sourced from Presqu’ile, La Encantada, and Rita’s Crown vineyards. Clones 115, 667, 777, and “828.” 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, native and RC212 fermentation, aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Light ruby red color in the glass. Red cherry and berry aromas and flavors are featured in this lighter weighted wine that is simple and forward. Oak vanillin shows up as a backdrop. Easy going tannins emerge with some astringency on the finish. Score: 87. Reviewed July 21, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Velvet Bee Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.53% al.c, pH 3.53-3.78, 194 cases, $38. Released November 1, 2017. Sourced from Bentrock Vineyard (667, 25%), La Encantada Vineyard (777 and 115, 31%) and Rancho La Viña (115, 31%). Harvest Brix 23.0º-24.3º. · Moderate ruby red color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of dark berries and nutty oak. Light to mid weight in style, with engaging flavors of red and black berries. Nicely balanced with a supportive oak thread and some envious cherry fruit on the modestly long finish. Score: 88. Reviewed December 3, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Sweetzer Cellars La Encantada Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 147 cases, pH 3.55, TA 0.58, $45. Clones 667 and 777. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, native and RC212 fermentation, aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The aromas of black cherry, exotic spices and rose petal are highly satisfying. The gorgeous, well-spiced dark cherry fruit excites the senses on entree. Nicely composed, with balanced tannins and acidity, and a modest, but pleasing finish. Score: 90. Reviewed July 21, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Alma Rosa La Encantada Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.65, TA 0.62, 596 6 bottle packs, $55, screwcap. 100% clone 777. Harvest Brix 23.8º. Aged in about 25% new French oak barrels. Bottled fined but unfiltered. · Light cherry red color in the glass. Very enticing aromas of red cherry, raspberry and baking spices. Light to mid weight in style with juicy flavors of red stone and berry fruits accented with a pleasant earthy tone. The fruit has a slight confected character. Forward drinking, with admirable finesse, balanced tannins, a deft touch of oak, and a modest, but pleasing finish. Score: 91. Reviewed January 16, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Byron La Encantada Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 277 cases, $55. Clone 777. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 42% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, anise and pungent herbs reaching more expression over time in the glass. The mid weight core of earthy black cherry and blackberry fruits are embellished with herbal oak. A savory wine, with modest, balanced tannins and a revealing satiny texture that attracts interest. I tasted this wine over and over and just couldn’t find compelling delight. Score: 87. Reviewed December 13, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Ken Brown La Encantada Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.54, 178 cases, $60. Vineyard is located at the cool westernmost end of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. This 100-acre vineyard was planted in 2001 by Richard Sanford and was one of the first vineyards in Santa Barbara County to be certified organic. Swan selection and Dijon 115 clone. 100% de-stemmed, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of dusty cherry, cranberry and oak cask. Light to mid weight flavors of cherry and spice with an underlying earthy tone. Juicy, with redeeming acidity, a silky mouth feel, and immersed tannins. Quite forward and can be enjoyed now but has the balance to age. Score: 92. Reviewed November 12, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Velvet Bee La Encantada Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

13.31% alc., pH 3.51, TA 0.557, 125 cases, $38. Released November 1, 2017. Clones 777 and 115 (50% each). Harvest Brix 21.9º. · Moderate ruby red color in the glass. Very little to report aromatically even when checked from an opened bottle on the next day. Light in weight, even shallow, with flavors of red cherry and cranberry. Very elegantly composed with gentle tannins and supportive oak in the background. The fruit seems under ripe and there is not enough savory character to lift interest. Score: 86. Reviewed December 3, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Furthermore La Encantada Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.51, 126 cases, $45. Clones 667 and 777. Harvest Brix 26.8º. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. A well-crafted wine that offers uplifting aromas of black cherry, spice and scrub brush. The blackberry and black raspberry fruits lean to the riper side with even a subtle note of black raisin creeping in. Oak contributes a coffee and dark chocolate note. The tannins are well-proportioned and there is enough acidity to compliment the fruit load. The slightest sense of alcoholic warmth shows up on the finish. Score: 90. Reviewed June 5, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Sant Wines Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.45, TA 0.69, $47. Sourced from La Encantada and Rita’s Crown vineyards. Clones 115, 667 and 777. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Difficult to coax much from the nose other than woodland scents. Mid weight cherry, red grape and earthy flora flavors backed by soft tannins and bright acidity. Pleasant, with delicate, aromatic cherry on the demure finish. Score: 88. Reviewed January 17, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Longoria La Encantada Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.53, TA 0.62, 100 cases, $50. Released November 1, 2015. Clone 777. Harvest Brix average 23.5º. 100% de-stemmed, aged 14 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. Bottled January 2015 without fining and with a light filtration. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose opens nicely over time in the glass, revealing aromas of black cherry, black raspberry, peat and cardamom spice. Discreetly concentrated flavors of black cherries, purple berries and toasty oak are backed by soft tannins. Good cut on the fruit-filled finish that leaves plenty of oak in its wake. Give this wine more time for the oak to integrate. Score: 89-90. Reviewed June 14, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Sant Wines “Buena Aventura” Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

13.4% alc., pH 3.43, TA 0.72, $50. Sourced from La Encantada and Rita’s Crown vineyards. 115 and Pommard clones. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The black cherry fruit on the nose seems ripe, even stewed, along with an aroma of brown apple and dried herbs. Flavors of purple berries, grape and cherry with a note of nutty oak in a ripely flavored, modestly concentrated style with zippy acidity. Score: 88. Reviewed January 17, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Ken Brown La Encantada Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.59, TA 0.54, 287 cases, $60. 69% Swan selection and 31% Dijon 115 clone. 100% de-stemmed, cold soak, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of cherry syrup and red berry preserves are lavish. Satiny and quite elegant in the mouth, with tame tannins, integrated acidity, a deft touch of oak, and a vibrant array of dark red fruits that linger modestly on the finish. One of the more distinguished wines I have had from this vineyard. Score: 92. Reviewed August 17, 2016 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 Furthermore La Encantada Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 100 cases, $50. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Shy, but pleasing aromas of strawberry, raspberry and woodshed. Darker fruited on the palate featuring flavors of black raspberry and pomegranate. Forward and enjoyable now, with supple tannins and a lovely velvety mouthfeel that is quite seductive. Score: 91. Reviewed August 18, 2015 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 Furthermore La Encantada Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., 85 cases, $40. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. This wine speaks of Sta. Rita Hills with good dark fruit intensity and bright acidity. The aromas of blackberry, black currant and licorice are enticing, and mid weight flavors of blackberry, black plum, eucalyptus and spice satisfy. A bit of toast and mocha are in the background. The fruit has good verve, and the mouthfeel is velvety. Score: 90. Reviewed November 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Furthermore La Encantada Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., pH 3.39, TA 0.67, 76 cases, $40, 375 ml $20. Vineyard planted by Richard Sanford. Clones 115, 667 and 777. Harvest Brix 27.5º. Native fermentation, aged 14 months in 40% new French oak barrels. · Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Appealing aromas of blackberries, black raspberries and a dash of toasty oak. Rich and vivid, with plenty of sappy, dark berry and cassis fruit flavors. Smooth in the mouth with discreet tannins and a pleasing hint of oak in the background. The finish is fresh and lively. This wine is woven together nicely and aims to please. Score: 90. Reviewed September 29, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Armanino Family Cellars The Ringneck La Encantada Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., $55. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Very modest and shy nose slowly revealing delicate aromas of cherry cobbler, dark red berry jam and oak over time. Mouth-filling core of sweet blackberry, black currant and black cherry fruit wrapped in modest tannins, finishing with a thrust of intensely flavored fruit. Good. Reviewed October 2, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Aeshna La Encantada Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $39. Crafted under the direction of Brian Emmett. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Plenty of ripe fruit in this wine but little nuance. Flavors of red plums and raspberries with hints of savory herbs, offering generous oak, soft tannins and a short, slightly hot, finish. Decent. Reviewed July 23, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Furthermore La Encantada Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.66, 50 cases, $39.95. Organic and biodynamic vineyard owned and farmed by Richard Sanford. Clones 115, 667 and 777. Aged 12 months in 50% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple hue in the glass. Aromas of dark stone fruits and berries highlighted by oak spice and toast. Tasty core of moderately concentrated dark red and black fruits with an earthy and savory caste, and a refreshing citrus tang on the finish. The enticing and heady fruit is lifted nicely by the acidity and the creamy mouthfeel is appealing. This wine gives you a big charge of fruit and little else, but that fruit charge is delicious. Good (+). Reviewed September 8, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Twin Oaks Cellars La Encantada Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., $42. Proprietor and winemaker is Mark Weiner. · Starts off nicely with alluring aromas of black cherries and sage fading a bit over time in the glass. Bright and juicy with tasty flavors of dark cherries, plums and lavender. An enjoyable drink that is nicely balanced, soft in the mouth and easy to cozy up to. Very good. Reviewed June 8, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Waits-Mast Wines La Encantada Vineyard Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 25 cases, $42. Jennifer Waits and Brian Mast are fog bound San Francisco winemakers focused solely on vineyard-designated Pinot Noirs in 25 to 50 case lots from sites in the Anderson Valley, Russian River Valley and Sta. Rita Hills. Clones 115, 667 and 777. 100% de-stemmed, aged 11 months in 33% new French oak. Crafted at Crushpad. · Scents of dark strawberries and cherries, dried roses, herbs and pine. Herb-inflected dark red cherry and berry flavors with hints of oak, green tomato and citrus. Well-crafted, with respectable richness and creaminess, but doesn’t strike my fancy. Tasted twice. Decent (+). Reviewed December 16, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Alma Rosa La Encantada Vineyard Clone 667 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 234 cases, $49, screw cap. · This wine has an interesting aromatic profile showing cherries, earth, oak and masa. A bit of heat peaks out. Composed of both red and blue fruits with oak playing a backup role. Medium-bodied a silky mouth feel and noticeable tannin. Reviewed February 12, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Alma Rosa La Encantada Vineyard Clone 777 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 235 cases, $49, screw cap. · Pleasant aromas of smoke-tinged black cherry. Dark berries and cherries form a healthy and flashy core of fruit. Smooth, silky and clean with moderate ripe tannins. Reviewed February 12, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Alma Rosa La Encantada Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $49, screw cap. · Shy but pleasant black fruits and polished smoky wood on the nose. Sweet and plentiful black raspberry fruit with an oak accent. The wine sports plenty of dry tannins and a clean and lingering finish. Reviewed February 12, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Casa Barranca Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 1,325 cases, $25. Aged in 40% new French oak. · The theme is blueberries and strawberries with notes of mocha and cedar. Discreetly concentrated with mild but firm tannins and lively acidity on the back end. No complaints, especially at this price. Reviewed September 11, 2006 WINERY »

2005 Alma Rosa La Encantada Vineyard Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir

1,500 cases, $49, screw cap. · Like the 2004 version of this wine, it is plush with red and dark fruits, but nicely restrained and balanced. One of the great wines among many leading the charge in the Santa Rita Hills. Reviewed March 5, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Alma Rosa La Encantada Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

1,500 cases, $49, screw cap. · The La Encantada has fabulous bright cherry aromatics, deep berry flavors with earth, spice and anise overtones, and a beautifully balanced format. Reviewed July 23, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

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