2022 Domaine de la Cote La Cote Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills

The 2022 Pinot Noir La Côte opens with a composed, harmonious nose that only hints at the concentration and weightless density found within, combining bright, high-toned fruit aromas with profound, grounded, savory flourishes. The palate is striking in its layered, nearly opulent power, which admirably manages impressive richness without losing focus, drive or allure. The finish is similarly multidimensional and expansive, wrapping up the wine with bright acidity and precise, fine-grained, powdery tannins. This wine never stopped morphing and expanding in the glass, both in aromatic fidelity and in the dimension of the finish, suggesting this has plenty of potential in the cellar.

95 points Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate

The Pinot Noir from La Côte vineyard in the Sta Rita Hills offers a dramatic interplay of natural elements worth experiencing. The dichotomy of detritus, wet stone, and earth harmoniously contrasts with the vibrant fruit and fresh herbs. Strawberry and fresh basil aromas dance together with notes of wet soil after rain and pink peppercorn. On the palate, a savoury character emerges reminiscent of stuffed green bell pepper, finishing with a lingering acidity that suggests ageing potential. 

96 points Decanter

Domaine de la Côte is one of the cult names of California Pinot Noir, founded in the Sta. Rita Hills by Rajat Parr and Sashi Moorman. Rather than chasing the richer style once associated with Californian Pinot, they built the domaine around individual vineyards, whole bunch fermentation and a lighter touch in the cellar. La Côte sits at the summit of the range, a tiny production Pinot Noir from one of the estate’s most dramatic parcels.

La Côte occupies a steep, exposed slope at the western edge of the domaine, only a short distance from the Pacific. The Sta. Rita Hills are unusual because their valleys run east to west, funnelling cold ocean air and fog directly into the vineyards. Combined with the site’s diatomaceous, silica rich soils, those conditions produce Pinot Noir with remarkable perfume, acidity and mineral tension. La Côte is never about simple Californian sweetness; it is a beautifully fine boned, savoury expression of the variety.

Translucent ruby garnet, opening with wild strawberry, sour cherry and raspberry before violet and blood orange appear. Rosehip, clove and black tea follow, joined by dried herbs, forest floor and a cool stony note. The palate is silky yet wonderfully taut, with pure red fruit carried by vibrant acidity and very fine tannins. Cherry, citrus peel and subtle spice become increasingly savoury as the wine stretches into a long, fragrant, mineral finish.

Tea smoked duck with shiitake mushrooms makes a beautiful partner, while grilled salmon with miso, mushroom and Comté tart, quail with lentils or roasted eggplant with sesame allow the wine’s delicacy to remain centre stage. Nothing too heavy here. La Côte is far more about perfume and detail than brute force.

Best from around five years after harvest and capable of developing for 15 to 20+ years.