Domaine de la Côte - Pinot Noir 'La Côte' 2023

Domaine de la Côte is a collection of 6 vineyards planted over 40 acres on the furthest western edge of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation: Memorious (3.5 acres), Bloom’s Field (7.5 acres), Siren’s Call (3 acres), Clos Juliet (1 acre), La Côte (9.5 acres), and 15.5 acres of appellation Sta. Rita Hills. Dramatically rising to an elevation of 700 feet above the Santa Ynez River, the Domaine lies on an ancient 25 million year old siliceous (silex) and diatomaceous seabed 7 miles from the Pacific Ocean.

The Domaine was purchased by Raj Parr and Sashi Moorman at the beginning of 2013. Sashi Moorman discovered the site and developed the vineyards with Chris King in 2007. Under his direction, the vineyards were planted entirely to California heritage selections at extremely high vine densities between 4,000 and 7,000 vines per acre, unprecedented at the time for the appellation. Although the Domaine spans a mere 40 acres, the diversity of its climats is staggering: each vineyard has a unique geology, aspect, elevation and microclimate. Such distinct expression of site, or terroir, in such close proximity, is unparalleled in California.

The Domaine organically farms its vineyards and makes its wines with the philosophy of “add nothing; take nothing away.” All the wines are produced and bottled at the winery in the town of Lompoc in Santa Barbara County, three miles from the domaine.

100% Pinot Noir, from La Côte Vineyard (Sta. Rita Hills AVA). Native yeast fermentation, whole cluster ferment in open concrete tanks. 12 months in 40% new Ermitage French oak.

"This small-production bottling is super savory in aroma and so chalky, stony and iron-like in flavor. The grapes come from the top half of the steep estate vineyard slope. Grown on a combination of three soil types, the wine gives potent black pepper, ashes and iron to savor. So extreme and distinctive in style. Drink or hold.” - 98 Points, James Suckling

"The 2023 Pinot Noir La Côte delivers all of the salty, savory, mineral tones you would expect from this site as it dives deep into a well of complexity. Herbal tincture, liquid florals, Japanese nori and dark, brambly berry fruit open with coaxing. Today, La Côte is a seriously muscular, inward beast, but it's impossible to miss the textural harmony and integration here. This is seriously impressive and undeniably La Côte.” - 96 Points, Vinous

"Thyme, sage and savory notes spike a core of intense griotte fruit, while flashes of pomegranate, damson plum and blood orange work their way in as well. The long, mouthwatering finish has a terrific chiseled feel, with a wet flint note as its energy source. Best from 2026 through 2040. From California.” - 96 Points, Wine Spectator

Producer: Domaine de la Côte

Country: USA

Region: California

Varietal: Pinot Noir

Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills

Vintage: 2023

Size: 750ml