2019 Cornerstone Cellars Pinot Noir Fiddlestix Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Santa Barbara 750 ml

In 1996, Santa Barbara’s Sta. Rita Hills was not yet known as one of the prime Pinot Noir spots in the world—in fact, it was still several years away from having its own AVA. 

At that time, Kathy Joseph was in the market for some land in Sta. Rita Hills. She had her eye on a former flower farm, but she only wanted 15 acres for a small vineyard—and with this property, the only option was to spring for 100. Despite it being WAY more than she bargained for, she took the plunge. 

She planted it mostly to Pinot Noir. When the fruit started coming in, she held true to the original vision she had for her own winery, keeping only 15 acres’ worth for her own label, Fiddlehead Cellars. She sold the rest.

It didn’t take long for the top Pinot producers in the land to realize that Kathy’s Fiddlestix Vineyard, just across the street from the iconic Sanford & Benedict Vineyard, was something special. Over the last two and a half decades, Bonaccorsi, Dragonette, Byron, Pali, and more have all tapped Fiddlestix, which is now regarded as on par with legendary Sta. Rita Hills vineyards like Clos Pepe, La Encantada—and yes, even its celebrated neighbor Sanford & Benedict. 

Since 2016, Fiddlestix grapes have pulled Charles Thomas and Kari Auringer, best known for their exquisite Cabernets, down from Napa. Auringer has made Cornerstone, a massive Wine Access favorite, for years. For the 2019, they aged the Pinot—which consists of 50% Dijon clone 667 and 50% clone 777—in 55% new French oak for just over a year. The result is a lush, elegant Pinot that’s layered with spices and complexity.