Winemaker Notes
Through careful selection of fruit and minimal intervention, the 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.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2017 Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley has a pale to medium ruby color and opens with gravel dust, violet, Earl Grey tea, orange oil, autumn leaves and earth with dried red cherries, dried cranberry, red licorice and wild blackberries. The palate is light to medium-bodied with concentrated, nuanced fruits, grainy tannins and very juicy acidity, finishing long and layered. What a lovely expression this vintage.
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Wine Enthusiast
Boysenberry jam, crushed slate and candied violet aromas show on the nose of this bottling by Kevin Law. The palate is very floral in violet and lilac flavors, as well as spicy, thanks to cracked black pepper, which give depth to the underlying purple fruit.
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.