Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Light in the glass, this appellation blend starts with inviting aromas of crisp cherry, hibiscus and raspberry, with hints of anise and fennel pollen on the nose. The palate snaps with cranberry skin and chaparral spices, leading into more rounded cherry flavors in the midpalate, as clean acidity pushes through the finish.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Pale ruby-purple, the 2018 Pinot Noir Seven Leagues has a nose of crushed blackberries, charcuterie, woodsmoke, scorched earth and aniseed. The palate is medium-bodied with concentrated, broody fruits in a silky, bright, fresh frame, and it finishes long and elegantly.
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Wine & Spirits
Drawn from parcels at Bien Nacido, Presqu’ile and Solomon Hills vineyards, this wine is lean and crisp at first pass, with strawberry-rhubarb scents and flavors that are taut, crunchy and tense. The tightness of the structure is an ideal foil for something sumptuous, like sous-vide chicken thighs.
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.