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.
Consider pairing with goat cheese, cassoulet, roasted sausage or roasted veggies with caramelized onions and red peppers. Also, pair with the darkest chocolate!
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
The four years of age is giving this bottling quite an aromatic depth, with juniper, clove, tea and turned earth spicing up the stewed red-fruit backdrop. The acid is still solid on the palate and the texture is grippy, with flavors of roasted cranberry and star anise, showing lots of life left in the bottle.
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.