Winemaker Notes
This Light ruby Pinot Noir has overt and concentrated aromatics of rich red and
black roasted plums, purple fig jam, brandied cherries, and speculoos cookies. A few more glass swirls will release earthy tones of Chinese five-spice, sweet hickory, and fall hay.
Flavors of ripe raspberry, strawberry jam, Black Strap Molasses, and Port wine reduction are layered nicely in this Pinot Noir. In addition, it offers some earthy
tones of moist soils and eucalyptus with a long smoky finish.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Ripe strawberries, cherries, spring flowers, underbrush, and hints of spice all emerge from the 2021 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Estate, another ripe, supple, beautifully balanced Pinot Noir in the lineup. It's impossible to resist today, and I see no need to delay gratification.
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Tasting Panel
In keeping with its billowy, light texture, the fruit in this wine is triumphantly fresh and bright. Mineral-toned soil contributes concentration before dark cherry and sandalwood lend an exotic flair on the finish.
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Wine Enthusiast
Lovely aromas of cherry compote, warm pastry and star anise make for a lush and inviting nose on this bottling. Joyously ripe flavors of strawberry and pomegranate juice fire up the palate, where a light mint aspect adds intrigue.
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Wine & Spirits
Joey Tensley makes Optik in a collaboration with the Miller Family, of Bien Nacido and Solomon Hills. It starts out wood-driven with plenty of graham cracker and cinnamon flavors. As it opens with air, the dustiness of Santa Maria comes through, broad and deep, with a red-clay-dusted fruit character that’s fascinating.
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.