Tantara Bien Nacido Vineyard Old Vine Pinot Noir 2005
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One of the newest wineries in Santa Barbara County, Tantara is dedicated to producing the very finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Our wine is vineyard designated from such growers as Bien Nacido, Talley, Pisoni and Laetitia.
In 1999 we planted ten acres of Pinot Noir and two acres of Syrah, which will bring our own vineyard holding to about fifteen acres when these new plantings come on-line in 2003. This fruit will then make up our estate bottling.
Also, we are happy to announce that we are in our new home. Thanks to the faith and support of Bien Nacido Vineyard, we are the proud inhabitants of our renovated barn, located on the beautiful Bien Nacido Vineyard. We are very fortunate to have secured this location.
Because of our commitment to detail and the finite amount of fruit that meets our standards, total production will be limited.
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.