The Paring wines are the second label from the acclaimed Hilt and Jonata properties.  The Paring Pinot Noir consists of small lots of fruit from the Sta. Rita Hills estate vineyard of Salsipuedes that do not make the cut into The Hilt wines.   While not technically biodynamic, the vineyards of Salsipuedes — Bentrock, Radian and Puerto Del Mar — are farmed to the highest standards; creating a functioning polyculture of bee hives, herds of ruminants, fruit, olives and of course, grapes. No artificial fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides are used. The winemaking here is identical to that of The Hilt wines; fermentations are entirely native with no added nutrients, enzymes, acids or sugars.  In fact, the Paring and Hilt wines are completely identical up until elevage, which is shorter, and utilizes a higher proportion of stainless steel and neutral oak barrels. 

Offering immediate drinking pleasure without sacrificing the complexity and nuance that makes this grape so compelling. A wine brimming with seductive fruit alluring aromas and supple tannins. The consummate overachiever.

Ratings

Crisp cranberry and boysenberry f lavors meet with dusty sage, uncracked peppercorn and crushed rock on the nose of this bottling. It’s medium- to heavier-bodied on the palate,  where blistered berry, marjoram, red flower and light toast flavors align.

- 91 points, February, 2023, Matt Kettmann

Tasting Notes

• bright red fruit; cherries and plum

• bold

• spice

• round palate