Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
A complete Pinot Noir, the complex and stylish 2016 Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir shows exceedingly fine aromas and flavors—red berries, boysenberries, and bramble fruit. The wine's accent of oak brings all of its elements together in a nice package. Pair it with a savory, spiced leg of lamb. (Tasted: October 27, 2017, San Francisco, CA)
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Wine Spectator
Ripe, with a savory richness, this offers raspberry and red plum flavors backed by firm acidity. Tannins build on the finish, which offers slate and spice notes. Drink now through 2022.
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.