Foley, Rancho Santa Rosa Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills

Having visited this winery and region often, the nose reminds me of the atmosphere surrounding the vineyards, and in my amateur wine knowledge, it seems like I’m getting a slight whiff of the ocean combined with the California Oak/Chaparral of Sta. Rita Hills. First sips were bright, but not acidic, a little chewy, but not overly jammy. Fruit of red raspberry and maybe unripe strawberry was present. On the back end some earth mixed with mild tobacco lingered in a …

2018 vintage

As other reviewers have noted, this is an earthy pinot with a tobacco note. Nice nose, very encouraged at this, thin on entry lacking richness in flavor. Short, uninspiring finish. Oddly, I thought it was 'aging' faster. I'll leave the rating alone, would not be high but I don't much like it. Imagine I will not drink the 2d half of the bottle. Having scoured the website of the local wine store for good buys in a price range $25-35, …

2018 vintage

Very good everyday Julie liked.

2018 vintage

This has a rather distinctive cigarette tobacco flavor to it, similar to some other Santa Barbara wine I've had. I don't recall this from the one or two prior vintages I've tried. Tastes almost slightly corked, though it did not get any worse on the second day. It's not so strong as to be off-putting, but it's just not my thing. Other than that, it has a nice body and mouthfeel, and is quite easy-drinking, with some oak coming through …

2018 vintage

By the glass. I remember when this AVA was established years ago and many critics praised this area as ideal for planting pinot noir. It is of course masculine, earthy, with notes of smoked black berries and wood, lots of wood. Even so, it is not without some elegance and aging ability. It may be worth a try. Por copas. Recuerdo cuando hace años se estableció esta AVA y muchos críticos alabaron este área cómo ideal para plantar pinot noir. …

2018 vintage

Dark cherry with an earthy nose. Blackberry and earth on the palate. A little heavier and less complex than I would have liked. An ok wine.

2007 vintage

Thinking it might be a little past its prime, I was surprised when my first sip was met with some zingy acidity, along with the overt fruit that I've found to be characteristic of this producer. After about an hour or so, the Sta Rita Hills typical savoriness - wild mushroom and damp earth, along with that wet asphalt scent, shown through. However, the acidity is now turning tart and so, overpowering the virtuous characteristics and throwing it out of …

2007 vintage

As soon as my brain was done thinking "Well, the cork is in good condition!" 2/9ths of it remains in the bottle. My fumbling about with the screw then lodged 3/18ths of it in the neck sideways. So I guess I was decanting! There are still a few bits of cork floating around but I'd rather that then straining through a coffee filter! The horror. My first glass is hitting the spot--has a bit of zip left in it yet …

2007 vintage

Consumed over two days (vacuvined), note from day 2. Nose: Medium expressiveness, raspberry, strawberry, red licorice, and red flowers. Palate: Medium bodied, lightly spiced sweet red fruit attack, nice mouth feel and balance, very well integrated right now. Finish: Medium length, dominated by raspberry, strawberry and a hint of cinnamon. My last of 3 bottles, consumed 2 years a part (2010, 2012, and 2014) - this experience is the best, if not at it's peak - then just past it …

2007 vintage

Black cherry in color. Nose of blue fruits. A big atypical Pinot for my palate. Some blackberry fruit overshadowed by earth and minerals. A bit rough. Maybe it needs more time, but I doubt it. Ok, but just not what, I'm looking for.

2007 vintage

Fruity spicy for a pinot, short finish, not really a good pinot

2007 vintage

This has gotten much better since I last drank it. Obviously a wine that needs a few years to integrate and open. deep cherry kiwi nose. integrated cherry core with kiwi, strawberry, cola flavors....long changing finish. good acid and goes well with moo shu!

2007 vintage

Popped 1 hour before first pour, consumed over 3 hours. Nose: Medium expressiveness, spice, green brush, dark red fruit - black cherry and pomegranate. Palate: Medium bodied, good acid,cranberry, black cherry, and spice: Finish: Medium length dominated by tart red fruit flavors.

2007 vintage

Might just be losing its fruit.

2007 vintage

Very good Pinot. Medium-bodied with nice cherry fruit on the palate. Smooth, easy finish.

2007 vintage

Clear with medium deep garnet color, Nose dominated by fruit, spice and oak. Medium acid levels with medium body. Palate is in line with nose with dark cherries, and some earthiness and sage...

2007 vintage

thick...but shut down and not showing much.

2007 vintage

Excellent wine and drinking wonderfully now. Bright nose of cherries and cola, super smooth and luscious finish.

2007 vintage

Enjoyed this much more second time around: deep, rich red fruit. Nice structure.

2007 vintage

Wow -- this is drinking great right now -- very very good for Santa Barbara Pinot -- loved it -- good enough to drink alone.

2007 vintage

Saturday Walk Around Tasting at The Gourmet Shop, Columbia, SC 6/11/2011 (Gourmet Shop Columbia SC) : This is the real thing. A thick, luscious, mouth full of real Pinot Noir flavors. From a cool climate, you can just feel the concentration and depth. The color is slightly darker than typical. We got pure blue fruit on the nose, with an almost perfect amount of new oak. The flavors are really exceptional with layers of dark cherry wrapped in spice, and …

2007 vintage

Enjoyed with a nice ham at the Wolflicks for Easter dinner. Very typical pinot and a nice dark finish.

2007 vintage

Fine but very tasty Pinot with a nice balance.

2007 vintage

Light with a touch of strawberry. Also just a touch hot, which detracts from the overall impression.

2007 vintage

Smoke and cherry nose. Med pallets feel not that much of a finish

2007 vintage

Nice Pinot that is ready to drink ! Good bottle with or without food.

2007 vintage

A good though delicate PN. Touch of strawberry on the nose and palette. Lighter in color and medium bodied, went well with Halibut without overpowering it.

2007 vintage

Also had this at the WineBerserkers offline. There were two bottles there, on I rated 89 points and one at 91 so I used the average (not knowing which bottle was ours). Good fruit, smooth, medium bodied.

2007 vintage

Notes after a glass poured and then the rest under vacuum seal for the night. Color unchanged from 5 months ago. Nose seems to have gained a little substance and shows more earth and truffle that is also represented on the palate. Big and a little hot (I doubt it's really 14.3%), it has a soft round mouthfeel and nice purity of fruit. Good, in that it doesn't need food to strut it's stuff, due to the fine balance and …

2007 vintage

Somewhat lighter bodied than most Foley Pinots. Still, good fruit and decent acidity.

2007 vintage

Are you sure?

Foley, Rancho Santa Rosa Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills

Vintages

No vintages

Community Reviews