2013 small + tall Pinot Noir, Rancho La Viña, Sta Rita Hills
Tasting Notes
2013 small + tall Pinot Noir, Rancho La Viña, Sta Rita Hills
The wine is a sexy, voluptuous wine that continues to amaze us as it evolves. It is bright in acidity with polished tannins and exceptional structure and balance. This wine shows us the true expression of a cold climate Pinot Noir. Violets, dried rose petals, and hints of black tea dominate the nose. Black cherry, blueberry preserves, and thyme dominant the palate and lead us to a soft silky finish.
For this vintage, we made our way out to the western edge of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA to the incredible Rancho La Viña Vineyard. It sits on a bench several hundred feet above the valley and is exposed to the full force of the maritime winds. The sandy loam, low fertility vineyard produces small, dark berries that yielded an intensely aromatic and structured wine.
Specs
Vintage: 2013
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Appellation: Santa Rita Hills
Vineyard: Rancho La Vina Vineyard
Alcohol: 14.1%
What’s Included
2-bottles:
2x 2013 small + tall Pinot Noir, Rancho La Viña, Sta Rita Hills Case:
12x 2013 small + tall Pinot Noir, Rancho La Viña, Sta Rita Hills
small + tall is a boutique winery focusing on limited production, single vineyard Pinot Noirs & Chardonnays from the cool growing climates of the Sta. Rita Hills and Santa Maria Valley.
We know great wine starts on the vine, so we carefully select our fruit sources to ensure that small + tall can achieve great results. The grapes are hand-picked at night when cooling fog settles in over the vineyard. They are processed in small lots to gently coax out delicate flavors and aromas. We strive to highlight the unique flavor characteristics specific to each vineyard from which we source. Each batch is an expression of time and place.
Winemaker, Joanne Duray, developed a curiosity for wine as a child while watching her Italian immigrant grandfather tend to his wines. Still small enough to play in the old hand-crank wine press but not tall enough to drink, she didn’t get to sample much of his wine. But the spark was ignited.
In 2011, after much imbibing, study, and long harvest nights small + tall wines were born.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
WOWSER… $4/bottle shipping. That’s nearly the case price. Must be some fancy-schmansy “white glove” service. And the 49% per bottle “premium” pretty much prices the 2-bottle offer out of existence. So much for the little people.
@PaleMongo It’s always $8 to ship the small offer and $12 for the big. Since actual shipping costs dwarf those numbers, you can safely assume part of the upcharge for the smaller offer is to cover the increased shipping cost (per bottle, of course) of the smaller one.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations).
2013 small + tall Rancho La Viña Vineyard Pinot Noir - $100 = 33.32%
Hi all - sorry for the delayed post…
Thanks for the opportunity to sample this 2013 Pinot Noir! It arrived over the weekend, perfectly timed for enjoyment. Opening on Saturday, we noticed that the cork was soft and on one side slightly damaged. We were worried that the wine might be compromised but very happy to report that it was perfectly fine. On first and subsequent tastings, my wife and I found the wine to be very well-balanced with deep cherry notes and subtle leather undertones, creating a sensory experience that lingered long after the last sip. The aromas are inviting, without any overt alcohol on the nose (other than on first opening). I think the cherries take center stage, but this is not at all a sweet or fruit forward wine. As said above, it is a deep cherry that is perfectly tempered by the wine’s pleasant, yet not over the top dryness, very smooth. I find it more complex than what I may usually have for a daily drinker. A very nice wine that I would be happy to have more of. In a quick search, I couldn’t find much information - so very curious how much this will be offered for. Thanks Alice for letting us contribute!
Small + Tall 2013 “Lucky” Pinot Noir from Rancho La Vina in Sta. Rita Hills
I certainly felt “Lucky” when our UPS guy showed up with a surprise bottle of 11-year-old Pinot Noir. I let the bottle settle for 2 days and carefully broke the seal. The cork had a wet spot halfway through.
Appearance:
The color is one hue darker than Kool-Aid.
Nose:
The nose offers crushed ripe black cherry and dry soil, with no alcohol punch or anything overpowering.
Body:
The body is thick but not syrupy.
Pop and Pour:
Upon opening, the wine presents identical notes to the nose, with rose tea, black cherry, and ripe strawberry. There’s a very gentle touch of acid, almost non-existent.
30 minutes after:
After some aeration, the wine begins to show whatever youth is left in it. The ripe cherry taste transforms into a delightful strawberry jam.
Palate:
The oak treatment is well melded and balanced.
Conclusion:
This is a solid, perfectly aged Pinot Noir that I could happily drink for the rest of my life.
@losthighwayz Most recent vintage on their website is 2014 and Facebook activity stopped in 2016. Probably safe to assume they’re no longer in the game.
OK rats - With the orphan state of this winery, I am putting all my trust in your palates to help WD move pallets of wine and help color my palette in my cellar one hue darker than Kool-Aid. Fingers crossed.
On the fence on this one. The age (2013) and cork condition comments have me a bit concerned. While I can cellar decently - literally in a room built in my cellar - a case might be tough to plow through quickly if required.
Other hand, looks like a nice, well made wine from a boutique winery.
A case is a must based on pricing.
Just Because. Found these on FB.
Picture of the harvested 2013 Pinot Rancho La Viña grapes.
Picture of the 2013 Pinot Rancho La Viña “juice” right before harvest.
Enjoy !
FYI those who purchased a this offer opened a bottle tonight. It is very good and we enjoyed. The cork disintegrated upon opening and had wine almost to the top of the cork.
@ChiWineOne
similar experience as well, but closer to 50% saturation.
Seems like a drink-soon, but a recorked bottle now in the fridge to see how it holds up over a few days to evaluate…
Ordered a case and the first bottle seemed borderline bricked. Second bottle from the case is similar. Slightly bricked and cloudy, my daughter asked if it’s supposed to be bubbly. Disappointed to say the least.
Looking to braise some lamb. 2 bad bottles today. 1 cork wet to top, cork up a couple mm. Fizzy vinegar. Second bottle well on its way to the same place. Unfortunately I split the case with a friend. Black eyes all around.
2013 small + tall Pinot Noir, Rancho La Viña, Sta Rita Hills
Tasting Notes
Specs
What’s Included
2-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$576.00/Case for 12x 2013 small + tall Pinot Noir, Rancho La Viña, Sta Rita Hills at small + tall Wines
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Apr 1 - Tuesday, Apr 2
2013 small + tall Rancho La Viña Vineyard Pinot Noir
2 bottles for $49.99 $25/bottle + $4/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $199.99 $16.67/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
WOWSER… $4/bottle shipping. That’s nearly the case price. Must be some fancy-schmansy “white glove” service. And the 49% per bottle “premium” pretty much prices the 2-bottle offer out of existence. So much for the little people.
@PaleMongo It’s always $8 to ship the small offer and $12 for the big. Since actual shipping costs dwarf those numbers, you can safely assume part of the upcharge for the smaller offer is to cover the increased shipping cost (per bottle, of course) of the smaller one.
@klezman @PaleMongo Or FREE, lol. Free is good (to ship).
Wow. 2013 fruit. Looking forward to rats
Good vineyard, good specs, nice age.
The description of this wine is making it very hard to not just jump in blind. I’m really hoping there are some rats for this one.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations).
2013 small + tall Rancho La Viña Vineyard Pinot Noir - $100 = 33.32%
Hi all - sorry for the delayed post…
Thanks for the opportunity to sample this 2013 Pinot Noir! It arrived over the weekend, perfectly timed for enjoyment. Opening on Saturday, we noticed that the cork was soft and on one side slightly damaged. We were worried that the wine might be compromised but very happy to report that it was perfectly fine. On first and subsequent tastings, my wife and I found the wine to be very well-balanced with deep cherry notes and subtle leather undertones, creating a sensory experience that lingered long after the last sip. The aromas are inviting, without any overt alcohol on the nose (other than on first opening). I think the cherries take center stage, but this is not at all a sweet or fruit forward wine. As said above, it is a deep cherry that is perfectly tempered by the wine’s pleasant, yet not over the top dryness, very smooth. I find it more complex than what I may usually have for a daily drinker. A very nice wine that I would be happy to have more of. In a quick search, I couldn’t find much information - so very curious how much this will be offered for. Thanks Alice for letting us contribute!
Small + Tall 2013 “Lucky” Pinot Noir from Rancho La Vina in Sta. Rita Hills
I certainly felt “Lucky” when our UPS guy showed up with a surprise bottle of 11-year-old Pinot Noir. I let the bottle settle for 2 days and carefully broke the seal. The cork had a wet spot halfway through.
Appearance:
The color is one hue darker than Kool-Aid.
Nose:
The nose offers crushed ripe black cherry and dry soil, with no alcohol punch or anything overpowering.
Body:
The body is thick but not syrupy.
Pop and Pour:
Upon opening, the wine presents identical notes to the nose, with rose tea, black cherry, and ripe strawberry. There’s a very gentle touch of acid, almost non-existent.
30 minutes after:
After some aeration, the wine begins to show whatever youth is left in it. The ripe cherry taste transforms into a delightful strawberry jam.
Palate:
The oak treatment is well melded and balanced.
Conclusion:
This is a solid, perfectly aged Pinot Noir that I could happily drink for the rest of my life.
Been visiting Santa Ynez, Sta Rita Hills, Lompoc, etc for over 18 years and have never heard of this producer.
@losthighwayz Most recent vintage on their website is 2014 and Facebook activity stopped in 2016. Probably safe to assume they’re no longer in the game.
@DanOR never knew they were ever in the game!
As a PN junkie, I got myself 24 bottles.
Any thoughts how long this would cellar or is this a drink me now?
@Letsdrinkplease
20 years on a well crafted PN isn’t a stretch at all.
Not saying this is that, but it comes from a respected area.
I’d say, bottle to bottle. The sample that I had would probably last 2-3 more years. If well kept, then 5-7 years. Just my speculation.
Thanks!
Anyone in SoCal want to turn loose of a few bottles?
Any thoughts on the flavor profile of this one relative to the Kukeri offerings?
@Letsdrinkplease
more like Expression 44 (style wise)
@Letsdrinkplease @mandoo500 crap. That’s one of my wife’s favourite Pinots.
OK rats - With the orphan state of this winery, I am putting all my trust in your palates to help WD move pallets of wine and help color my palette in my cellar one hue darker than Kool-Aid. Fingers crossed.
@woopdedoo
/giphy applause
Small world - just met her last week at one of my tastings in LA . . .
@tercerowines she still itb?
@rjquillin nope . . .
@tercerowines let me know next time you’re in town so we can do that wine handoff!
On the fence on this one. The age (2013) and cork condition comments have me a bit concerned. While I can cellar decently - literally in a room built in my cellar
- a case might be tough to plow through quickly if required.
Other hand, looks like a nice, well made wine from a boutique winery.
A case is a must based on pricing.
@forlich I’m in the same school of thought as you. I’m like overflowing right now but always have room for a nice Pinot.
Just Because. Found these on FB.
Picture of the harvested 2013 Pinot Rancho La Viña grapes.
Picture of the 2013 Pinot Rancho La Viña “juice” right before harvest.
Enjoy !
Just ordered a case. Willing to share: So NH or Boston area.
I shouldn’t but - anyone up for a South Dakota/Minnesota split?
FYI those who purchased a this offer opened a bottle tonight. It is very good and we enjoyed. The cork disintegrated upon opening and had wine almost to the top of the cork.
@ChiWineOne
similar experience as well, but closer to 50% saturation.
Seems like a drink-soon, but a recorked bottle now in the fridge to see how it holds up over a few days to evaluate…
Just want to give a shout-out to the rats on this offer. Opened a bottle that arrived today - Excellent!
@woopdedoo
Agree. My open bottle, corked in fridge, showed improvement on day two.
Anyone in WA want to part with some bottles? I should have gotten 2 cases!
My two bottles arrived corked
YMMV
Ordered a case and the first bottle seemed borderline bricked. Second bottle from the case is similar. Slightly bricked and cloudy, my daughter asked if it’s supposed to be bubbly. Disappointed to say the least.
This case is not good. YMMV but it seems like they are arriving not as expected.
I’ve tried to like this. Bottle variation from meh to not good. A rare miss.
Looking to braise some lamb. 2 bad bottles today. 1 cork wet to top, cork up a couple mm. Fizzy vinegar. Second bottle well on its way to the same place. Unfortunately I split the case with a friend. Black eyes all around.