Winemaker Notes
Born of a number of blocks high and low on the hillsides of Bien Nacido, the Estate Pinot Noir captures all of the traditional notes from this special site. Intensely perfumed black tea, mandarin rind and potpourri dominate the nose. While on the palate fresh cherries and cotton candy balance out exotic spices, sandalwood and sage.
Blend: 100% Pinot Noir
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Moving to the reds, the 2021 Pinot Noir was raised in 45% new barrels and reveals a translucent ruby hue as well as a gorgeous bouquet of spiced red and black raspberry fruits, leafy herbs, forest floor, and baking spices. Medium-bodied on the palate, it's not the most massive or richest in the vintage, yet its balance is spot on, it has beautifully integrated tannins, and lively acidity. It's a stunning Pinot Noir with so much character. Drink bottles over the coming 7-8 years.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Matured for 16 months in 40% new French oak, the 2021 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard is rustically styled, with scents of smoked cranberries, briary fruit, pipe tobacco and underbrush. The medium-bodied palate has a dense core of earthy fruit, gently rustic tannins, soft bursts of acidity and a savory finish. It takes on some brighter citrus and floral character as it spends time in the glass, so give it a year or two in bottle or a couple of hours in a decanter.
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.