Winemaker Notes
A deep appreciation for Pinot Noir inspired our search for that rare California terroir suited to producing the style we appreciate most: elegant, balanced, restrained. A careful search of cool climate regions and a single-minded pursuit of quality led to our conviction that the Santa Maria Valley, on the Central Coast north of Santa Barbara, is that place. Through careful selection of fruit and minimal intervention, we strive to produce Santa Maria Pinot Noir that expresses the unique character of each vintage, clone and vineyard. Santa Maria's characteristic sandalwood spice, bright fruit and a silky mouth-feel are the hallmarks of Presqu'ile Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir.
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.