We’re pleased to add a new Pinot Noir to our lineup. Made by one of premiere Pinot Noir winemakers in the Santa Cruz Mountains, this light vintage is promising with aromas of fresh harvest and classic umami with a follow up of raspberry, spice and dark cherry.
Dive in with aromas of a fresh harvest, alpine strawberries, nutmeg and that classic umami start you off on the nose. Benefiting from the last drought year before the rains of ‘22/’23, this wine boasts bright fruits of raspberry, dark cherry shine on the palette along with undertones of five spice and finishing with a hint of white pepper that dances on edge of the palate accompanied by a balanced acidity and soft tannins.
Pair this wine with soft cheeses, red berries, chicken, pork, mushrooms, and a big meal with good friends.
Our wines are named after courtroom jargon to honor Judge Marlo’s career in the judicial system. Ex Parte is a Latin term “for one party”, meaning it is an action done with respect to or in the interests of an interest outside party.
Brandon Armitage is one of the premiere winemakers in Santa Cruz Mountains. Brandon is a passionate student of the art of wine, who has followed the Pinot Noir trial around the world. He’s refined his technique and skills in New Zealand’s Central Otago and Oregon’s Willamette Valley. He started Armitage Wines in 2008 and since 2013 has overseen production at the Heart O’ The Mountain Estate in Scotts Valley.
This 2021 vintage was made in two-year barrels, 1.5 lot ferments, rc212 yeast, aged for 10 months. This is a lighter than usual vintage to due higher crop yield in the vineyard.
Meadrowridge Vineyard was planted in the early 2000s in Corralitos by Salamander Wine Cellars and Robert Weber, both pediatricians. Just three acres of Pinot Noir, this vineyard sites about 500 ft above sea level. Clones include 777, 667 and 115. It was grown as non-organic, however with new manager Ken Swegles at the helm it’s all grown organic for the last three years.
