Winemaker Notes
This wine is whole-berry destemmed in to a small, open-top fermenter and aged 16 months in 228L French Oak barrels, of which 43% is new.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Kissed with spices and dried scrubby herbs, this is a concentrated, mouthwatering and crunchy pinot. Bergamot and steeped tea bring complexity to brambleberries, mixed cherries and citrus pith. A balanced floral lift drifts throughout the finish. Drink or hold.
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Vinous
The 2022 Pinot Noir Julia's Vineyard is a beautifully precise wine. Crushed flowers, vibrant red/purplish fruit, orange peel and exotic spice all run through this delineated, energetic Pinot Noir. The 2022 impresses with its striking inner perfume and captivating balance. There is something incredibly beguiling about the Julia’s in this vintage.
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Wine Enthusiast
Wild berry, smoked meat, li hing mui and anise aromas arise on the nose of this bottling. The palate is complex with strawberry and sage flavors that are both elegant and plush.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2022 Pinot Noir Julia's Vineyard derives from Pommard clones established in 1972 and matured in 40% new wood. Black tea, bergamot and dried herb aromas mark the nose, followed by a soft, silken palate gently energized by a citrus-driven lift. The finish echoes the herbal qualities of the nose, lingering with warming spice tones.
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.