Celebrated as one of California's premier wineries, Racines unveils yet another masterpiece with the 2021 Pinot Noir La Rinconada Vineyard. Crafted to perfection, this wine entices the senses with a symphony of blood orange, red cherry, mint, spice, chalk, and white pepper, each note unfolding gracefully in the glass. Showcasing 70% whole clusters, the wine effortlessly harmonizes with its innate character, while vibrant saline nuances linger on the palate, culminating in a dynamically elegant finish.
Antonio Galloni, in his July 2023 review, aptly describes this creation as 'very, very pretty,' a sentiment echoed by enthusiasts worldwide. Under the stewardship of Etienne de Montille, Racines continues its legacy of excellence, with the 2021 vintage marking the inaugural release by winemaker Ryan Hannaford, succeeding the esteemed Justin Willett. This transition signifies a pivotal moment, where expertise merges with innovation.
Acknowledging the challenges inherent in transposing Burgundian techniques to the unique terroir of Sta. Rita Hills, Racines navigates this terrain with finesse. While past iterations may have encountered obstacles, the 2021s herald a triumph of adaptation. Balancing tradition with innovation, de Montille and his team exemplify the evolution of Californian winemaking, crafting wines that distinctly embody their origins. With each sip, the 2021s affirm that the journey from Burgundy to California is not merely a geographical shift but a transformative voyage, yielding wines of unparalleled distinction and character.
The 2021 Pinot Noir La Rinconada Vineyard is another captivating wine from Racines. Blood orange red cherry fruit mint spice chalk and white pepper all open in the glass. The 70% whole clusters work beautifully with the wine's natural personality. Bright saline notes extend the dynamic finish effortlessly. This is a very very pretty wine. - By Antonio Galloni on July 2023 This is a fine set of new releases from Racines the project headed by Etienne de Montille. The 2021s are the first vintage made by winemaker Ryan Hannaford following Justin Willett?s departure so they represent a time of transition. It is only natural that an experienced winemaker like de Montille and his Burgundy winemaker Brian Sieve (a native of Santa Barbara) would want to apply their knowledge to the Sta. Rita Hills but that has not always worked so well. The Chardonnays have generally been more successful than the Pinots which in some vintages suffered from pushed extractions overpowering stem character and perhaps too much time in barrel as well. The 2020s are the peak of that style. Ultimately the challenge for de Montille and his team is to take the time-worn practices of Burgundy to make wines that are from California and not France. The 2021s suggest that is happening.