Winemaker Notes
The Bien Nacido Vineyard is located in the Santa Maria Valley, and Block 43 is planted to Dijon 667 and Dijon 777. The fruit is harvested and whole berry de-stemmed into small, open-top fermenters. The fruit sees a 2-day cold soak before the fermentation process begins, lasting 10-14 days. The wine is aged in 100% French oak, of which a third is new for 17 months. The finished wine is bottled without filtration or fining.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Crisp and pure aromas of pomegranate extract, crushed stone and Red Hot candies show on the vivid nose of this block-designated bottling. The palate is generous in cherry but vibrant in sumac-laced acidity, as a zippy acidity flies into the finish.
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Wine Spectator
Nicely packed, with a winey set of red currant and damson plum notes that meld nicely with energetic red tea, sanguine and savory details through the finish. Sleek, pure and lengthy. Cellaring merited here.
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.