Morgado Cellars 2016 Rita's Crown Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

Morgado Cellars 2016 Rita's Crown Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

94 Points
Jeb Dunnuck
dryness
acidity
tannin
body
fruit
94 Points
Jeb Dunnuck

Mission Codename Crown jewel

If you’re a fan of lighter-styled, Burgundian Pinot, or a devout believer of the IPOB (in pursuit of balance) philosophy, well you should probably back right out of this email. However, If you like the Aubert / Martinelli / Belle Glos style - which is to say, Pinot Noir with 1,000 lb. rocket thrusters powering it, here’s your ticket (at 55% OFF!!) to the moon and back.

In his 94 point review, Jeb Dunnuck called it “a rock star Pinot Noir,” and a “smoky, rich, powerful wine,” while Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate hailed a “gorgeous perfume of chocolate-covered cherries, black raspberries and redcurrants with hints of violets and rosehip tea.” This wine has a serious pedigree too; born from Rita’s Crown Vineyard, one of the most treasured sites in St Rita Hills and crafted by Kimberly Hatcher, who honed her style while working under Russel “100 Points” Bevan.

This stuff hits your palate with such a force, it’s like a bottled misdemeanor assault - except you’ll be begging for more of the black raspberry liqueur, spiced plum jam, chocolate-dipped maraschino cherries and lavish oak that every hit delivers. Words like MASSIVELY concentrated, rich, opulent, and expansive come close to describing this stuff but it’s truly difficult to fathom or describe. The sheer depth of fruit, like a black hole, has such terrific concentration it might have its own gravitational pull. The finish stretches longer than a month of quarantine with small children. You get the picture…

Simply put, this is a Pinot for Cabernet lovers.

With 94 points and a hefty 55% discount expect it to fly! BUT there were only 150 cases made and we took everything that was left…which probably wasn’t enough to satisfy the hoards of thirsty Pinot lovers. Take a moment right now to throw at least one into your locker. The quality at this price is incomparable.

Here’s what the wine press has to say:

94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck - “Moving to the reds, the 2016 Pinot Noir Rita’s Crown is another smoky, rich, powerful wine from Kimberly Hatcher. Full-bodied notes of blackcurrants, leafy herbs, shrimp broth, and spice all flow to a layered, incredibly textured Pinot Noir that stays balanced and seamless. It’s a rock star Pinot Noir to drink over the coming 7-8 years. Drink 2019-2027.”

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Tasting Profile Tasting Profile

dryness
acidity
tannin
body
fruit
Morgado Cellars 2016 Rita's Crown Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 750ml Wine Label
Look

Intensely dark, almost impenetrable purple

Smell

A decadent and rich melange of sweet oak, stewed cherries, and blackberry jam with a hint of tilled soil and mineral spice

Taste

Rich and mouthcoating dark red and black fruit - ripe cherry, brambly blackberry, sweet vanilla and chocolate.

Finish

Long and drawn out, it sees to stick to every inch of your palate

Pairing

Capable of standing alone, but ideal for richer braised meats, ragu pasta, or grilled steaks

What the Winery Says 2016 Rita's Crown Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

Morgado Cellars
Morgado Cellars
Winemaker
Kimberly Hatcher
Varietal
100% Pinot Noir
Vintage
2016
Appellation
Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County
Vineyard
Rita’s Crown Vineyard
Abv
15.1%
Aging
18 months
Barrels
100% new French oak
Production
6 barrels

About the Winery Morgado Cellars

Morgado Cellars Winemaker Kimberly Hatcher
Morgado Cellars Winemaker Kimberly Hatcher
Morgado Cellars 2016 Rita's Crown Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 750ml Wine Bottle
Offer Expired May 11, 2020 at 11:59 pm
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Morgado Cellars 2016 Rita's Crown Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 750ml Wine Bottle
Offer Expired May 11, 2020 at 11:59 pm
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