Winemaker Notes
There's deeply flavorful fruit–even picked at moderate levels of ripeness the old Martini clones at Bien Nacido bring a powerful character of peak-ripe dark cherries. Just shy of Luxardo-like, this element benefits from the lift that comes from the relatively younger Dijon 777 vines. They bring higher toned notions of hibiscus and pomegranate, sort of making a mixed medium effect: young vines bring ethereal watercolors; the old Martini vines bring the richer impact of oil pastels. The whole package closes out late with spice, smoky tea and the fine herbal gauze of stem tannin.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Medium ruby-purple, the 2018 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard has loads of aromas, with lush cranberry and blackberry fruits accented by touches of aniseed, bay leaves, dried flowers and cola. The medium-bodied palate offers a grainy, fresh frame packed with flavor layers, and it finishes very long.
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Jeb Dunnuck
More Pommard-like with its crunchy cherry and darker berry fruits as well as herbs, forest, and pine-laced aromas and flavors, the 2018 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard is medium-bodied, elegant, and nearly seamless on the palate. It has a touch more oomph compared to the Santa Barbara County release and I'm sure it will evolve for a decade.
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.