Winemaker Notes
Blend: 100% Pinot Noir
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A lush and ripe-tasting but also bright and balanced wine that's mouthwatering to sip. It offers sour cherry and red cherry aromas followed by good baked cherries, red currants and dried cranberries on the palate. Moderate tannins and tangy acidity give it life and energy through a lingering finish. Sustainable.
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Wine Enthusiast
Rounded cranberry and cherry aromas pick up rustic notes of chaparral and charred meat on the nose of this bottling, which is widely available and fairly priced. The palate is packed with toasted sage and marjoram flavors that enliven the blood orange and pomegranate core.
Editors' Choice
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.