Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This is a very successful appellation blend, starting with strawberry, wet river stone and dried mint aromas on the nose. The palate is cohesive and smooth, combining thyme, cracked pepper, earth and a core of ripe berry.
Editors' Choice -
Vinous
The 2021 Pinot Noir Estate Grown is laced with crushed flowers, mint, tobacco and dried flowers. Ethereal and aromatic, the 2021 is perhaps a touch slender, but it impresses with its effusive bouquet and lovely balance. The 20% whole clusters are very nicely balanced.
Santa Maria Valley lies mainly in northern Santa Barbara County, with a small portion of it overlapping southern San Luis Obispo County. It is close to the Pacific, and runs east-west, which means warmer air in the eastern end draws cool air off the ocean in the west, and brings it through the valley. This effect, combined with abundant sunshine, lengthens the growing season. The longer growing season leads to long hang time, which promotes both ripeness and optimal acidity levels in grape berries. As early as the 1970’s, Santa Maria Valley was recognized as being a superior source of wine grapes, certainly including Chardonnay and Syrah. But arguably the top variety here is Pinot Noir.
Originally a domain primarily of growers, including the Miller Family of the justifiably famous Bien Nacido Vineyard, this AVA is now home to over 30 wineries. Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir consistently offers full flavors of cherry, strawberry and raspberry, often accompanied by notes of spice, cola, vanilla and earth. They show impressive balance and elegance, as well as great versatility with food.