Overview: Owner and Winemaker, Justin Willett was born and raised in Santa Barbara, CA and graduated with a BA in History of Art and Architecture from the University of California-Santa Barbara. In 2005, while working as the Assistant Winemaker at Arcadian Winery, he started Tyler Winery with a focus exclusively on exceptional vineyard sites throughout the Sta. Rita Hills and Santa Maria Valley within Santa Barbara County. Overtime, he has developed relationships with specific growers, who have seen how he works, enjoyed the wines he produces as well as respect his viticultural knowledge of the area and his input of its terroir.
The wine is a combination of whole-cluster and destemmed Pinot Noir primarily from the Dierberg Family's Drum Vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills. Pressing occurs in large oak open-top fermentors. After 3-5 days of fermentation with judicious use of both punch-downs and pump-overs, the wine is transferred to French oak barriques, 10% of which is new. The wine is left on its lees for 8-9 months before being racked, and blended back into stainless steel for additional age.
Tasting Notes: Aromatically the wine is fruit-driven with notes of tart cherries, red cherries, blackberries, and plums with hints of crushed stone and fine black pepper. On the palate, the wine is much more earthy with dried herbs and a touch of citrus.
Pairing: Pozole
Points: 93, Wine Advocate
Format / ABV: 750 ml/13.0
In certain circumstances, a specific vintage may not be available. If this is the case, a comparable vintage of the same wine will be substituted for online orders. If shopping in store, please check the bottle for the appropriate vintage. If you have a question about a specific vintage that is in stock, please email wine@kegnbottle.com
