From Bill Foley's estate in the heart of California's Sta. Rita Hills, this 2023 Pinot Noir shows why the cool-climate appellation is prized for elegant, vibrant reds. James Suckling rated it 92 points, praising its ripe concentration of mixed wild berries and Rainier cherries, lifted by bright acidity, with hints of root beer, sarsaparilla, and sweet oak leading to a velvety, cocoa-dusted finish. With gentle tannins and plenty of succulent fruit, it's delicious now but has the structure to reward a few more years in the cellar.
Foley Estates crafted this Pinot Noir in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA of Santa Barbara County, where the winery was founded by vintner Bill Foley. Cool-climate conditions shape an elegant, focused style, and hints of sweet oak and spice point to time in barrel. As the estate's appellation bottling, it captures the broader character of the region alongside Foley's single-vineyard wines.
Expect raspberry, blackberry, and ripe cherry, layered with root beer and a touch of sweet oak. Notes of toasty vanilla and cinnamon add warmth to the bright fruit.
The palate is ripe and concentrated yet lifted by a kick of vibrant acidity, showing mixed wild berries and Rainier cherries. It's complex and succulent, with plenty of fruit framed by gentle tannins.
The finish is velvety and lingering, with sarsaparilla and cocoa powder carrying the fruit through to the end.
James Suckling awarded the 2023 vintage 92 points, praising its balance of concentration and freshness. It offers the hallmark of great Sta. Rita Hills Pinot: generous fruit paired with the energy and poise of a cool-climate site.
This wine is delicious now and can also be cellared for further development. Serve slightly cool alongside roast duck, grilled salmon, mushroom risotto, or herb-crusted pork tenderloin. Its velvety texture and bright acidity also make it a versatile choice for holiday tables and dinner parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Foley Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills 2023?
It's a still red wine from Foley Estates Vineyard and Winery, made from Pinot Noir grown in California's cool-climate Sta. Rita Hills AVA in Santa Barbara County. It serves as the winery's core appellation Pinot Noir, alongside its single-vineyard bottlings.
What does Foley Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2023 taste like?
Expect ripe, concentrated wild berries, raspberry, blackberry and Rainier cherry, with notes of root beer, sarsaparilla, cocoa and sweet oak spice. Bright acidity and gentle tannins lead to a velvety, succulent finish.
Has this wine received any critic scores?
Yes, James Suckling rated the 2023 vintage 92 points, praising its balance of ripe, concentrated fruit with a kick of acidity.
Should I drink it now or cellar it?
It's enjoyable now for its vibrant fruit and velvety texture, and it also has the structure to hold for a few years. Serve slightly cool, around 60-65°F, alongside dishes like roast chicken, salmon, duck or mushroom risotto.
What makes Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir special?
The Sta. Rita Hills' cool ocean breezes and long growing season produce Pinot Noir with ripe fruit balanced by lively acidity. Foley's estate location in the heart of the appellation gives this bottling an elegant, true sense of place.
