Winemaker Notes
The 2017 Santa Maria Valley 'Seven Leagues' Pinot Noir was crafted from Bien Nacido, Solomon Hills Vineyard, and Presquile Vineyard. After 14 months in barrel this wine shows primary red fruits with red cherry and raspberry followed by intriguing spice components ranging from clove to Asian five spice. This wine tends to show a bit of Sandalwood and coriander as well as a touch of orange zest.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Pale to medium ruby, the 2017 Pinot Noir Seven Leagues has a lovely, classic nose of woodsmoke, tobacco leaf, cola and gravel dust with dried rose petal, orange oil, red licorice, ripe red cherries and spicy blackberries plus saline and herbs touches. It's light to medium-bodied with quiet intensity in the mouth, a silky texture and juicy freshness, finishing long and spicy.
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Wine Enthusiast
Elegant aromas of dried sagebrush, bright cranberry, raspberry paste and hibiscus are immensely fresh on the nose of this bottling. There is a compelling herbal character to the palate, from bay leaf to thyme and sagebrush, as well as wild fruit flavors of strawberry, cranberry and roasted plum.
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.