Winemaker Notes
A seductively aromatic bouquet of black cherry with hints of blueberry, caramelized brown sugar and notes of freshly ground black pepper with delicate touches of purple flowers. A brooding and densely packed Pinot Noir with flavors of dark cherry, raspberry liqueur, and a hint of strawberry will captivate from the first taste. Silky tannins will coat the palate with additional flavors of sun-ripened cranberry and a long finish.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This collaboration between Winemaker Joey Tensley and the Miller family is producing attention-grabbing wines, including this bottling, which begins with candied cherry, vanilla ice cream and anise on the nose. Muddled cherry, cola, chai and oak flavors converge on the creamy, full palate.
Editors' Choice -
Tasting Panel
Strongly influenced by the proximity of the Pacific, this serious, expressive Pinot Noir offers a spice rack of exotic flavors and aromas that alters the senses. Paprika, Chinese five spice powder, cinnamon, and rooibos tea contribute to its density. Energetic and prickly with black pepper and lavender, the palate forms an earthy bed lined by silky tannins.
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Wine Spectator
Offers up a dark profile of black cherry and blackberry coulis, along with hints of singed savory and alder. Shows a subtle menthol accent in the background. Juicy feel, thanks to focusing acidity. Distinctive. Drink now through 2028.
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Jeb Dunnuck
More ripe strawberries, cherries, ground pepper, and stemmy, almost nutty nuances emerge from the 2020 Pinot Noir Solomon Hills Vineyard, a lush, round, pleasure-bent Pinot Noir that stays light on its feet and balanced. It's another terrific wine that's best drunk over the coming 3-4 years.
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.