Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
More classic in style than the Clone 22, the 2013 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard has lots of black raspberry, flowers and crushed-rock nuances as well as a full, layered, beautifully textured feel on the palate. I normally find something masculine and mineral-laced from this vineyard, but this 2013 is all polish and elegance, with rocking purity of fruit. I'd drink it over the coming 4-5 years, but I suspect it will still be delicious at age 10 as well.
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.