Winemaker Notes
This classic European style California Pinot Noir offers bright acidity from the maritime influence in the vineyard. The Santa Maria Valley sunshine brings another flavor component of red fruits, such as red cherries and pomegranates, on the nose and palate. Pair with pork in cherry reduction sauce, blackened chicken or fish with mango chutney. Goat cheese, aged cheddar or Port Salut will also pair nicely with this wine. For dessert consider strawberry rhubarb pie, raspberry cheesecake or marzipan tart. This youthful wine has great aging potential.
Professional Ratings
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Wine & Spirits
Rusty red cherry aromas meet with eucalyptus, sweet bay leaf and lightly toasted pine wood on the nose of this bottling from a coveted vineyard on the western edge of the appellation. It's light and energetic on the palate, with high-toned red-fruit flavors, rustic smoke and a prominent chaparral spice.
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.