Winemaker Notes
The Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir shines a pure ruby with aromas of cherry cola, and cherry liqueur, followed by mild oak. Flavors of fresh plum, raspberry and dried herbs are carried by a well-developed tannic structure.
This wine pairs great with duck confit, grilled salmon, and sauteéd mushrooms.
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.