Winemaker Notes
This is a sophisticated, harmonious blend of five great vineyards from two appellations in Santa Barbara County: Solomon Hills Vineyard and Gold Coast Vineyard from Santa Maria Valley blend beautifully with Peake Ranch, Zotovich, and Drum Canyon Vineyards from Sta. Rita Hills. Each vineyard brings to this blend nuances of its appellation. Santa Maria Valley shows through in the fragrant and perfumed nose with a touch of spice, while Sta. Rita Hills brings additional structure, weight, and power.
This Pinot Noir is very versatile and will pair with and enhance a variety of cuisines. Particularly good pairings include roast chicken, grilled salmon, Santa Maria-style tri-tip, and mushroom & prosciutto pizza.
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.