Hitching Post "Sideways" 2021 Pinot Noir "Highliner", Santa Barbara County

We selected our flagship wine for this commemorative bottling. “Highliner” is an assemblage of only the best lots of all the different Pinot Noirs we make each vintage. Consequently, it earns consistent high praise.

The fruit for 2021 Highliner came from 5 different vineyards with the majority sourced from the iconic Sanford & Benedict Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. All vineyards and clones are harvested and produced separately using traditional burgundian techniques. 20 months barrel age in French oak along with masterful blending, brought all the elements to a harmonious whole. "We enjoy making Highliner the most of any of our wines,” states Frank Ostini. “Utilizing the different flavors and textures from all of these vineyards creates a complex and balanced wine that plays to the many keys of Pinot Noir. The 2021 vintage is the best vintage of the 2000s to date.”

The moniker “Highliner” refers to the best fishermen in the fleet and references Gray Hartley’s nearly 30 years in the fishing industry prior to winemaking. Highliner Pinot Noir is meant to be the “best of the fleet” of Hitching Post wines.

Vinous - Score: 91 

“The 2021 Pinot Noir Highliner-SIDEWAYS is a blend of fruit from Sta. Rita Hills and Santa Maria. This is a more floral and earthy style, but it works well. Crushed flowers, mint, cedar, sweet pipe tobacco and incense waft out of the glass.” - Antonio Galloni