Winemaker Notes
Aromas of strawberry fields forever. Feral and savory with high end notes of sage and spring grass. Flavors of under ripe bing cherry and tart cranberry, smoked duck and rhubarb. Savory and long with piercing fruit and mineral. Drink now through 2045.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Intriguing sarsaparilla, dried cherry, graphite and porcini dust aromas show on the nose of this blend of Rancho Real and Julia's vineyards. Crisp raspberry and cranberry flavors are cut by gamy meat and dank sage elements on the palate.
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.