Winemaker Notes
Pinot Noir from Bien Nacido and Riverbench Vineyard. Clones are typically a blend of Dijon 115, Dijon 667, Pommard, Swan and 2A0.
Grapes are harvest by hand, whole berry destemmed into open top fermenters as individual clonal lots. Fermentation takes about 10-14 days active, with punch downs two times daily. The wine is aged nine months in 228L French Oak barrels, between one and six years old. Finally, it is racked and bottled without fining or filtration.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This appellation cuvée is very satisfying and slightly more affordable than this historic brand's single-vineyard blends. Aromas of black raspberry, toasted curry leaf and sagebrush make for a fascinating nose. The palate snaps with fresh pomegranate and strawberry flavors, as hints of damp soil maintain balance.
Editors' Choice -
Jeb Dunnuck
Bright strawberries, tart cherries, spring flowers, and minty nuances all emerge from the 2021 Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley, a very pretty, floral, incredibly pure Pinot Noir. It picks up a kiss of that classic marine-like nuance of the region with time in the glass and is medium-bodied, has a balanced, elegant mouthfeel, and a great finish. It's all about its pretty, vibrant red fruit and floral nuances.
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Wine Spectator
A lively red, showing light-bodied kirsch, cherry and raspberry notes laced with subtle potpourri and iris hints, offering a nice, streamlined feel. Drink now through 2030.
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.