Mission Codename You've goat to be kidding
“His wines have been consistently fine…” – PinotFile
We’ve sold quite a lot of Pinot over the years, but this is our FIRST ever Flying Goat!!
If you’re a serious, nerdy Pinot hunter you might already know Flying Goat Cellars. For the rest of you, here’s your chance to get acquainted with one of the best-kept secrets on the Central Coast winemaking scene. WELL OVER half off the $48 release price puts it within reach of the most price-conscious Pinot lovers. Flying Goat Cellars has a whimsical label, but the wines are dead serious.
This hip project is owned and made by Norm Yost, who’s an old hand in the wine industry. He brings 40 years’ experience in the biz, starting as winemaker for Foley Estates, spending a long time in Napa, Sonoma, Russian River Valley, and Willamette Valley. Now, running his own, he focuses on a garagiste style production of vineyard designates - mostly Pinot and bubbly (aka. Goat Bubbles). It’s rare to see these anywhere outside their tiny little “wine ghetto” Lompoc tasting room, as this bottling is normally reserved for club members and his mailing list only. Today, while it lasts, you can get it for a steal.
This micro-production Pinot comes from the Rancho Santa Rosa Vineyard, owned and farmed by vinous visionary/powerhouse Bill Foley. Norm was instrumental in developing this vineyard back in late 1990s, deliberately planted in a patchwork of blocks, each with specific clones for the varying terrain. It delivers a plush, medium-bodied palate filled with lush strawberries, cherry preserves, raspberry tea leaf, exotic wood, baking spices, and a vibrant kick of juicy acidity. Long and complex, swinging from a vividly fruitful expression to a savory earthiness.
A true expression of site-specific terroir, and 100% a “DO YOU HAVE MORE OF THIS??” wine when you taste it!
Trust us, this is a must-have for those who enjoy high-quality Pinot at a screaming good price! You’ll love it - assuming you can get a few bottles before it’s gone.
91 Points – Wine Enthusiast
“Tangy aromas of balsamic pomegranate syrup, sumac, anise and peppercorns create an attention-grabbing nose on this bottling. There is a strong snap to the sip, where black-plum, bay leaf and cardamom pod flavors enliven the palate.”
Tasting Profile
From a vividly fruitful expression to savory earthiness
Look | Pale ruby with a vivid, translucent core and a bright crimson-orange glowing edge |
---|---|
Smell | Lush strawberries, cherry preserves, raspberry tea leaf, exotic wood, baking spices |
Taste | Plush, medium-bodied, filled with and a vibrant kick of juicy acidity and soft tannins |
Finish | Long and complex, swinging from a vividly fruitful expression to a savory earthiness |
Pairing | Super food-friendly, the ideal plate would have grilled wild salmon in a creamy sauce |
What the Winery Says
2015 Rancho Santa Rosa SRH Pinot Noir
- Winemaker
- Norm Yost
- Varietal
- 100% Pinot Noir
- Vintage
- 2015
- Appellation
- Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County
- Alcohol
- 14.7%
- Vineyard
- Rancho Santa Rosa Vineyard
- Clone
- 667
- Harvest date
- August 21, 2015
- Total acidity
- 6.8 g/l
- pH
- 3.71
- Bottling date
- April 26, 2017
- Aging
- 18 months
- Barrels
- 50% new French oak
- Production
- 8 barrels