Fighting Chance Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County 2017

The Current Beverage of the Week Previous Beverages of the Week

Beverage of the Week (BOW)

Fighting Chance Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County 2017

Product Story

Fighting Chance Pinot Noir is made with a blend of 90% Pinot Noir, 8% Petite Sirah, and 2% other red grapes. The name refers to the struggle of growing Pinot Noir in California's Central Coast. Pinot Noir grapes are thin-skinned. They bruise. They blister in the Sun. It is with good cause that winemakers have dubbed Pinot Noir as the "heartbreak grape." The grapes are sourced from notable vineyards in Santa Barbara County including North Canyon, Fiddlestix, and Cat Canyon. We love the transparent addition of Petite Sirah that adds heft and color and the flashy French and American oak flavors are in keeping with intention to create a bold and intense Pinot Noir.

Brand Story

Fighting Chance is a fascinating new brand created by Treasury Wine Estates and spearheaded by winemaker Adam Poirier. So many brands are created in response to focus-groups identifying valuable real estate in the beverage market place. However, Fighting Chance was created for the best of all reasons – to employ fantastic Pinot Noir grapes from prestigious vineyards in Santa Barbara that needed a home. Fighting Chance utilizes this great fruit while presenting with a different point-of-view. Adam Poirier has created an atypically bold Pinot Noir with gusto and personality. We are looking forward to future vintage from Fighting Chance.

Tasting Note

Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black cherry and baking spices with supporting notes of stewed black fruits, fruitcake, and vanilla bean. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of plum, black tea, and dark cocoa. The finish is long and lingering with silky tannins and sweet brown spices. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a supple and juicy texture.