The Harvest
The harvest of 2019 was very similar to that of 2018, both
characterized with moderate temperatures during the growing season and harvest.
This mild weather not only gave the grapes more time to ripen, but it also
allowed them to mature more slowly on the vine and retain their natural
acidity. The grapes were harvested during a three-day period beginning
September 14th, with an average ideal sugar content of 24 Brix.
Winemaking
This is the
first Lovely Rita Pinot to be composed of 100% Fe Ciega Vineyard grapes. All
four clones grown at the vineyard were used for this blend; Dijon 115, Dijon
667, Pommard and Mt. Eden. The grapes were 100% destemmed and crushed into
small, open top fermenters. The must was cold soaked for an average of three
days, after which the must was inoculated with a special yeast strain chosen to
bring out the best from Pinot Noir grapes. After an average fermentation period
of nine days, the wines were pressed off to tanks, settled and then transferred
to French oak barrels for aging, of which 16% were new. This vintage produced
wines with more intensity and tannins than normal, which called for 14 months
of barrel aging instead of the usual 9 months. The wine was blended, filtered
and bottled in August 2020.
The Wine
Lovely Rita
has a medium dark, ruby color and fragrant aromas of baked cherries and warm cedar
with a hint of nutmeg in the background. On the palate the wine is
medium-bodied with vibrant flavors of lusciously tart cherries with a hint of
figs and vanilla spice on the finish. Richer and denser than most earlier
vintages of Lovely Rita, I believe this bottling may be our most harmonious and
complex Lovely Rita yet.
Food Pairings
Enjoy this
wine with a variety of foods including parmesan crusted salmon, beef tenderloin
and warm duck salad.
