Winemaker Notes
The Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir provides a beautiful look into just how well this grape thrives in the region’s soils. Lifted notes of bing cherries, rose hips, dried orange rind, and sandalwood dominate the wine’s earth-driven palate. Pair with game, veggie burgers, or roasted chicken.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Quite light in the glass, this county cuvée starts with slightly funky aromas of charcuterie and mushrooms, as charred cherry and star anise add depth. The palate stays savory with marjoram and bay leaf flavors, as tart cherry fruits give a fresh edge.
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Vinous
The 2023 Pinot Noir (Santa Barbara County) is another fine appellation-level offering from Presqu'ile. Sweet red cherry, cedar, tobacco, dried flowers and herbs all grace this mid-weight yet juicy Pinot. This floral, savory red is all charm.
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.