Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Tart black raspberry meets with crumpled oregano and dry, earthy loam on the nose of this bottling from a vineyard on the western edge of the appellation. There is a tight texture on the palate, where muddled plum, brisk berry and light chaparral flavors dance across the tongue.
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2018 Pinot Noir Amor Fati Murmur Vineyard comes from a site in the Santa Maria Valley and was brought up in 26% new French oak, with the balance in neutral oak. I love its bouquet, which reveals ripe cherries, darker, earthier nuances, forest floor, and smoky oak all emerging from the glass. Medium-bodied on the palate, it has ripe tannins, terrific overall balance, and outstanding length. It’s another impeccably made wine from Jeremy Leffert.
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.