Winemaker Notes
Bright red fruit dominates the nose; pomegranate, dried cranberries, and black cherry. Spice notes of cinnamon, sage and clove complement the balanced tannins that add structure and a long finish to the wine.
Blend: 100% Pinot Noir
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Tart and fresh aromas of red plum, strawberry and lightly toasted sage and marjoram draw the nose into this zesty, widely available bottling. The palate lands with pleasantly brisk cran-pom-raspberry flavors, as lavender and rose petal qualities add nuance.
Editors' Choice -
Jeb Dunnuck
Ripe strawberries, framboise, spring flowers, and spicy underbrush notes all emerge from the 2021 Pinot Noir Julia's Vineyard, a beautifully textured, medium-bodied, elegant Pinot Noir. It's already hard to resist, and I see no need to delay gratification.
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.