Juliana Layla Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills 2023 (Case Price)

To make my own Pinot Noir Cuvee bearing my only daughter’s name, I locked into two of the top vineyard sites in all of the Sta. Rita Hills. I doubt we’ll ever see these plots again, but we’ll savor it while these bottles last.

First, we have San Julian Ranch – one of the highest, if not the highest elevation vineyards in the area and was planted from cuttings from the famed Hyde De Villaine Vineyard. It’s set in a very unique valley, just behind Point Conception. The Pinot Noir grown there is incredibly fragrant, and powerfully complex with a rich tannic structure and deep mineral currant flavors that persist throughout.

Next is Drum Canyon Vineyard, the sole Pinot source for several of Paul Lato’s wines. The Drum Canyon fruit shows delicacy and the feminine side of Pinot with red currant, delicate rose perfume and on the darker side some spice and tar notes. Beyond its finesse lies a deceptive persistence and length. The two together are a veritable symphony.

But beyond the vineyard sources, what I couldn’t have expected was a 2023 vintage that was absolutely lights out. It was an exceptional and an exceptionally rare vintage. It wasn’t just that the amount of precipitation was perfect but it was evenly spread throughout the growing season. The weather remained cool allowing for grapes to hang on the vines for a very long time acquiring a depth and resonance while still retaining freshness. Just a stunning vintage.