Buy Wine Bottles Online

By Cornerstone Cellars
2017 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills, Fiddlestix Vineyard

The Estate
Founded in 1991 by Michael Dragutsky, Cornerstone Cellars is the quintessential Napa Valley mountain and benchland producer of Cabernet Sauvignon. Their winemaking, led by Kari Auringer, honors Napa Valley's great heritage by crafting intense, elegant, and balanced wines that stand among the very best wine-growing estates in the world. Through intellectual rigor, humility, and the utmost respect for the land, Cornerstone Cellars aims to make wines that speak to its exceptional vineyard sites in the most authentic and genuine way possible.

The Appellation
Santa Rita Hills, a small AVA nestled within Santa Barbara County, is home to some of California's best-loved Pinot Noirs. The fruit-focused core, depth, and complexity are attributed to the morning fog, sunny days, and cooling coastal breezes. The hillsides are covered with white, chalky soils that allow for drainage but also encourage a hint of minerality in the flavor and texture.

The Vineyard
Much has been written about the Fiddlestix Vineyard and wine industry veteran Kathy Joseph, who had the vision to plant in the heart of the Sta. Rita Hills in Santa Barbara in 1996. Located on a sunny, southwest-facing hillside, across the road from the venerable Sanford and Benedict Vineyard, the 100+ planted acres are primarily Dijon clone Pinot Noir.

2017 Tasting Notes
Deep garnet in color, intense aromas of lively fruit, baking spice, and complex minerality. Richly textured, lush, and creamy, a few swirls will release a symphony of Bing cherry, blackberry, and ground herbs with a hint of black licorice. The concentrated fruit core is seductive yet beautifully balanced, with delicate layers of cherry blossom, blueberry, and cinnamon. The complex finish lingers with cherries and a touch of sweet vanilla.

2017 Winemaking Notes
Vintage: 2017
Appellation: 100% Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara
Vineyard: Fiddlestix
Varietals: 100% Pinot Noir
Clones: 50% Dijon clone 667, 50% Dijon clone 777
Harvest Date: September 4, 2017
Cooperage: 50% new French oak, 50% neutral French oak

Technical Details
Alcohol: 14.50%
pH: 3.64
TA: 6.0 g/L
Bottling Date: January 30, 2019
[Information provided by Matador Vino]