Winemaker Notes
Blend: 100% Pinot Noir
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Hibiscus and herbal aromas mark this detailed pinot noir, following through to a palate of definition, length and mineral bones that frame cranberries, pomegranate, red cherries and their pits. Rose hips rise through the finish, a zip of orange zest on top.
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Jeb Dunnuck
All destemmed and aged seven months in 18% new French oak barrels, the 2023 Pinot Noir Julia's Vineyard offers framboise, Bing cherries, sappy underbrush, and floral notes that develop nicely with air. It's medium-bodied, balanced, has good depth of fruit, and a complex, satisfying style that would best many a great Village-level red Burgundy.
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Vinous
The 2023 Pinot Noir Julia's Vineyard is another fabulous entry-level wine, if you can even call it that. Bright, rich and forward, the oak is front and center, but it frames and braces the wine nicely. Spice tones and dark red cherry fruit form the core. There's real character and Santa Maria Valley identity here.
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Wine Enthusiast
Rustic aromas of tart cranberry, oregano and thyme show on the nose of this bottling. The palate is also a touch rugged and earthy, pairing red fruit with sage-like spices and dusty soil tones.
Santa Maria Valley lies mainly in northern Santa Barbara County, with a small portion of it overlapping southern San Luis Obispo County. It is close to the Pacific, and runs east-west, which means warmer air in the eastern end draws cool air off the ocean in the west, and brings it through the valley. This effect, combined with abundant sunshine, lengthens the growing season. The longer growing season leads to long hang time, which promotes both ripeness and optimal acidity levels in grape berries. As early as the 1970’s, Santa Maria Valley was recognized as being a superior source of wine grapes, certainly including Chardonnay and Syrah. But arguably the top variety here is Pinot Noir.
Originally a domain primarily of growers, including the Miller Family of the justifiably famous Bien Nacido Vineyard, this AVA is now home to over 30 wineries. Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir consistently offers full flavors of cherry, strawberry and raspberry, often accompanied by notes of spice, cola, vanilla and earth. They show impressive balance and elegance, as well as great versatility with food.