Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
More shrimp broth, chalky minerality, gunpowder, and both red and black fruits emerge from the 2019 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido, a classy, surprisingly elegant Bien Nacido with silky tannins, medium-bodied richness, and outstanding length. It’s a classic representation of the savory, earthy style of this site aromatically, but the tannins and texture are as seamless as they come, and it shows more fruit and texture than you expect. It’s another beautiful, elegant, compelling wine from this estate that 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.