2022 Racines Pinot Noir Sta Rita Hills Cuvee

93 POINTS: The Sta Rita Hills Pinot Noir from Racines is a blend of fruit sourced from de Montille, La Rinconada, Rancho La Viña, Wenzlau Family, and Sanford & Benedict Vineyards – creating a patchwork expression of the region's silica- and diatom-rich soils. Clear garnet in colour with a slightly tawny rim, it is intensely expressive, offering primary fruit notes of orange, cranberry, and ripe strawberry, with a hint of herbaceous green herb character reminiscent of the area's sage- and chaparral-covered hills. Light in body with soft tannins and bright acidity, this cuvée is approachable and vibrant, embodying the cool energy of Santa Barbara's crisp, cool air and sunshine-covered hills while serving as a warm welcome to Racines' single-vineyard bottlings.