Discover the elegance of Tyler Pinot Noir, a remarkable wine crafted from 100% Pinot Noir grapes grown in the prestigious Sta. Rita Hills AVA. This organic, vineyard-inspired wine showcases a harmonious blend of bright red fruits, including ripe strawberries and tart cherries, accented by floral notes of rose petals and subtle savory undertones. Aged for 8-9 months in French oak barrels (10% new), the wine delivers a silky texture, vibrant acidity, and a long, mineral-driven finish. Produced by Tyler Winery, known for its commitment to expressing vineyard terroir with finesse, this Pinot Noir strikes a perfect balance of complexity and lightness, making it an ideal pairing for a variety of cuisines or a refined sip on its own. Limited to just 1,800 cases, it’s a true testament to craftsmanship in every bottle.
Process & Profile
Tyler Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills captures the essence of Santa Barbara’s premier cool-climate vineyards. Crafted from sustainably farmed, 100% Pinot Noir grapes, this wine reflects winemaker Justin Willett’s commitment to terroir-driven winemaking. The grapes are sourced from Drum Canyon Vineyard and the Tyler Vineyard-Designate program, featuring clay and sandy loam soils that foster refined balance in acidity and flavor. Native yeast fermentation takes place in open-top wooden vats, followed by aging for 8-9 months in 228L French oak barrels (10% new). With only 1,800 cases produced, this wine remains an exclusive offering, bottled unfined and unfiltered to preserve its authentic character.
Tasting Notes
This Pinot Noir entices with a fragrant bouquet of raspberry, wild strawberry, blueberry, and blood orange, underscored by subtle notes of forest floor, dried herbs, and tea leaves. On the palate, it is light-bodied with fine tannins and a delicate structure, delivering vibrant yet understated flavors. Bright red fruit and savory nuances blend seamlessly, while mouthwatering acidity and a long, ethereal finish leave a lasting impression.
What Makes It Special
The Tyler Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills stands out for its dedication to environmental stewardship and winemaking precision. Practicing organic farming methods, the wine reflects the cool Pacific influences and soil diversity of this esteemed appellation. The emphasis on native yeast fermentation and limited use of new oak preserves its purity and vibrancy. Winemaker Justin Willett’s philosophy—crafting wines that balance elegance with power—shines through in every sip, creating a wine of remarkable finesse and complexity.
How to Enjoy
Pair this wine with roasted duck, seared salmon, or mushroom risotto to complement its fruity and savory profile. Serve slightly chilled at 55–60°F in a Pinot Noir glass to enhance its aromatic complexity. With its vibrant structure and depth, this wine is a perfect fit for immediate enjoyment or cellaring for up to a decade to develop its nuanced character even further.
Elevate your wine collection with the Tyler Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills, a true celebration of California’s Central Coast winemaking artistry!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary tasting notes of Tyler Pinot Noir?
Tyler Pinot Noir is known for its elegant profile, featuring vibrant aromas of red fruits like raspberry, strawberry, and cherry. It often includes secondary notes of blood orange, earthy herbs, and even a delicate hint of charcuterie. The palate is light-bodied yet complex, with lively acidity and a long, refined finish.
Where is Tyler Pinot Noir sourced from?
This wine is crafted from Pinot Noir grapes grown in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA in California. The vineyards, such as Drum Canyon Vineyard, have soils comprised of clay and sandy loam, contributing to the wine’s unique terroir.
What is the winemaking process for Tyler Pinot Noir?
Tyler Pinot Noir undergoes a meticulous winemaking process. The grapes are fermented with 100% native yeast in open-top wood vats, involving gentle punch-downs and pump-overs to extract flavor. The wine is then aged for 8-9 months in French oak barrels (10% new) and is bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Is Tyler Pinot Noir an organic wine?
Yes, Tyler Pinot Noir is produced from grapes grown using organic farming practices, ensuring a sustainable and eco-conscious approach.
What does "bottled unfined and unfiltered" mean?
Bottling a wine unfined and unfiltered preserves its natural texture and flavor. This means no chemical or mechanical processes are applied to clarify the wine, which retains its full authenticity and complexity.
How should Tyler Pinot Noir be served?
Serve this Pinot Noir slightly chilled, at a temperature of about 55–60°F (13–15°C). Allow the wine to breathe for 15–30 minutes after opening to experience its full spectrum of aromas and flavors.
What foods pair well with Tyler Pinot Noir?
This wine pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, particularly roasted poultry, grilled salmon, mushroom-based dishes, and light pastas. Its high acidity and subtle tannins make it versatile for food pairing.
How long can Tyler Pinot Noir be aged?
While Tyler Pinot Noir is enjoyable upon release, it also benefits from cellaring. Depending on the vintage, it can age gracefully for 5–10 years, developing more complex tertiary notes like mushroom and leather.
What differentiates Tyler Pinot Noir from other Pinot Noirs?
Tyler Pinot Noir showcases the terroir of Sta. Rita Hills with its vibrant acidity, delicate red fruit flavors, and restrained use of oak. Its balance and elegance are hallmarks of its artisan craftsmanship.
What is the alcohol content of Tyler Pinot Noir?
The alcohol content generally hovers around 13%, reflective of a cooler climate production, which preserves the wine's bright acidity and fresh fruit profile.