Winemaker Notes
This wine presents a bright garnet hue with ruby undertones. The nose reveals vibrant aromas of pomegranate and raspberry preserves, layered with savory spices. On the palate, flavors of smashed boysenberry and ripe berries are elegantly interwoven with hints of toasted mushrooms, creating a balanced and expressive profile.
Professional Ratings
-
Wine Enthusiast
This larger production bottling for the winery always delivers, starting this vintage with pomegranate, raspberry jam, toasted herb and light pepper aromas. The palate is lively in peppery spice and layered in floral geranium and rose flavors, with a texture that grips into the finish.
Pinot Noir is the second-most planted grape in Santa Barbara County, just behind Chardonnay. It thrives in cooler areas of the region, namely in the of the Sta. Rita Hills, which is part of Santa Barbara’s larger Santa Ynez Valley sub-appellation. Thought for decades to be too cool for viticulture, Sta. Rita Hills began to gain notoriety in the 1970’s, thanks to the pioneering work of Richard Sandford and Michael Benedict, among others.
Santa Barbara Pinot Noir dances across the palate with vivid red fruit and spice. Precision, bright acidity, elegance and fruit-driven silkiness make Santa Barbara Pinot delightfully enjoyable, whether on their own or with a variety of dishes.