Winemaker Notes
Of the three blocks of Bien Nacido old vines Tyler Winery works with, ‘N Block’ is consistently their favorite. We have worked this parcel since 2009, and there’s something about these old Martini vines that is wonderfully impressive and complete.
Reminiscent of old school California pinot noir, these old vines produce a wine of precise intensity and textural depth. It coats the palate with a silky-smooth texture carrying notes of dark berry, dried flowers and forest floor, resulting beautifully in a wine of pure class and power.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Pale to medium ruby, the 2017 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block N features tangerine peel, garrigue, lilac, licorice and sliced blueberry aromas with accents of cranberry, wild blackberries, earth, dust and woodsmoke. The light to medium-bodied palate is earthy with chalky tannins and integrated freshness, finishing long and spicy. 143 cases produced.
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.