Introduction:
The 2022 Hitching Post “Hometown” Pinot Noir is a charming and expressive red from California’s Central Coast. It offers an elegant balance of bright red fruit, spice, and earthy complexity—showcasing approachable structure with subtle depth.
Terroir:
Sourced from vineyards across the cool-climate Central Coast AVA—drawing from sites like Kick-On Ranch, Rio Vista, and Quinta del Mar—the wine benefits from mornings softened by ocean influence and diurnal shifts that preserve acidity and clarity in the fruit.
Appearance:
Medium ruby, luminous and inviting in the glass.
Nose:
Bright aromas of red berries—raspberry and red cherry—are lifted by light floral notes, a touch of spice, and just a whisper of earthiness and new oak.
Palate:
Medium-bodied and silky, the palate unfolds with juicy red fruit flavors complemented by gentle spice and a refined minerality. Crisp acidity keeps the wine fresh, while soft tannins lend structure and approachability.
Finish:
Clean and lingering, echoing red fruit with a subtle spicy and earthy undercurrent—graceful and ready for food.
Overall Impression:
The 2022 “Hometown” Pinot Noir beautifully balances immediacy and elegance. Bright fruit and spice meld with textural refinement and a mineral lift, crafting a wine that feels expressive yet grounded. It’s versatile, food-friendly, and pleasing now, yet structured enough to gain nuance over the next few years.
Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): ~14%
Farming Practices: Sustainable, estate-grown fruit from varied Central Coast vineyards
Producer Name: Hitching Post (Hartley Ostini)
Old World / New World: New World
Country of Origin: United States
Region: California, Central Coast AVA
Grape Varietals: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2022
Wine Style: Bright, medium-bodied, fruit-forward Californian Pinot Noir
Winemaking Techniques: Early bottling of young Pinot—likely aged in neutral oak to preserve freshness and deliver silky texture
Pack Size: 750 mL
Container Style: Glass bottle
Closure Style: Cork