Lot 512 | 2023 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 750ml

Lot 512
2023 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

750ml

$65/bottle under the original label

Lot 512 is a 100% single-vineyard Pinot Noir with a Burgundian soul, routinely raking in mid-90s from the top critics in recent vintages. Sourced from a family estate with winemaking talent of the highest pedigree, it was crafted tip to tail using minimal-intervention techniques and only natural inputs, the small, thick-skinned, and wonderfully concentrated grapes underwent meticulous fermentation before settling into top-tier cooperage of 100% French oak (40% new).

The wine bursts open from the glass with hillside-concentrated spiced cherries, mulberries, and freshly turned earth laced with dried herbs. The entry is layered and dynamic, with cranberry-like acidity, rose hips, red berries, and tobacco leaf interwoven with crushed, velvety tannins. The long finish is perfumed and persistent, with subtle barrel nuances that add depth and resonance. Elegant and pleasurable in the short term, it’s an obvious cellar stalwart over the next decade plus.


14.2% alc

Overall rating: 4.4375 / 5 from 32 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

This Pinot Noir from Sta. Rita Hills offers a harmonious blend of deep fruit, fine structure, and vibrant acidity. Valued for its great taste and affordability, it is a favorite among Pinot lovers. The wine's layered and dynamic entry, along with its long, perfumed finish, makes it a cellar stalwart.

Summary topics

  • Pinot Flavor: 29%
  • Value for Money: 16%
  • Wine Flavor: 24%

Review topics: [flavor, value, color, buy, night, wine, pinot, finish, bottle, tannins, pinot noir, drinking, balance, region].

Review highlights

  • "Otherwise, nice nose, typical flavor, balanced, nice weight and finish."Jim A.
  • "This tasty Pinot has a strong Vanilla flavor with hints of Cherry and pepper."Lyron B.
  • "This Pinot has a slightly floral bouquet with smooth notes of blueberries on the tongue and a long tasty finish."Mike S.

Reviews

Elegant and Refined

"This lovely Pinot Noir exceeded expectations. It had a beautiful intense ruby color, a nose that reflected its cool climate growing environment with bright intensity and complexity. The impression was lovely. The midsection was surprisingly round deep and complex. This palette is a bit Burgundian. It delivered high levels of flavor, intensity and length."

Patrick D. (5/5)

Ok, not quite as strong as some from this area.

"Ok, not quite as strong as some from this area. Usually this is my favorite area but this was a bit thin."

Will V. (4/5)

Very Pleasant!

"Enjoyed this bottle very much. This was a worthwhile purchase."

David M. (4/5)

Santa Rita Thrills

"I didn't buy these to age, but the next case will be for that purpose. So fresh as is, but I'm sure it will keep growing as it ages."

Michael J. (5/5)

Nice Pinot, needs some age on it

"I am new to De Negoce and not a wine expert, and am learning that some of the wines I have ordered seem like quality wines but really need some time in the bottle to become what I consider "ready to drink". Not all are like that, but this one, if I buy more of it, will go in the cellar for awhile before opening it. At this point I'm not a wine "collector" - I expect wines to be "ready to drink" so I am learning for next time, and it isn't a big knock on this bottle, just giving my perspective."

Ethan G. (3/5)

Needs time to open up

"This could have potentially been a great wine but think it needs plenty of time to breathe and open up."

Sam K. (3/5)

Complements Roast chicken

"Served with roast chicken, polenta, and Romano beans. Light tannins did not overwhelm the chicken and was a pleasant change from our usual chardonnay with chicken mantra."

Joseph M. (4/5)

Very smooth

"Lovley pinot. De Negoce never fails to impress."

Suzanne S. (5/5)

Solid Pinot

"An easy to drink balanced Pinot at a fair price."

Kurt G. (4/5)

I love this Pinot!

"I only wish there was more. I ordered it twice and it's all gone😭"

Nicholas J. (5/5)

Q&A