SAMsARA Rancho La Vina Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2023 Rated 97JS

James Suckling Review
Rated 97
Richness and elegance go hand in hand, with concentrated aromas and flavors of hibiscus, raspberries and other forest fruit. Counterpoints of blood oranges, rhubarb and more minerally notes emerge with air. The lingering red-tea and violet finish remains taut and mouthwatering. Drink or hold, but patience will be rewarded.

SAMSARA Rancho La Vina Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2023

A beautifully focused, site-driven Pinot Noir, SAMsARA's 2023 Rancho La Viña bottling captures the cool-climate intensity, purity, and structure that define this celebrated Sta. Rita Hills vineyard.
The vintage delivers dark fruit, lifted aromatics, and signature SRH tension with SAMsARA's hallmark precision.

Key Details

• Producer: SAMsARA Wine Co.
• Vineyard: Rancho La Viña
• Region: Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
• ABV: 13.4%
• Style: Structured, cool-climate, vineyard-expressive Pinot Noir

Tasting Notes

• Black cherry, raspberry, and pomegranate
• Rose petal, sage, and coastal herbs
• Crushed stone, subtle earth, and SRH salinity
• Fine tannins with a long, focused, mineral-driven finish

Profile & Craft

• Rancho La Viña's low-yielding vines deliver concentration and purity
• Cool marine influence preserves acidity and aromatic lift
• Minimal-intervention winemaking highlights vineyard character
• 2023 vintage shows clarity, tension, and exceptional balance

Serving & Pairing

• Serve at 55-60°F; decant 30-45 minutes for full expression
• Pairs with duck, salmon, mushroom dishes, and roasted poultry
• Excellent for SRH collectors and terroir-driven Pinot lovers
• A standout example of SAMsARA's precise, vineyard-focused style