Winemaker Notes
The 2017 is beautiful with tons of personality. Unique to the rest of the Dierberg Vineyard, Block 5 sits perched on a mesa above the south bank of the Santa Maria River on clay loam soils. Characterized by notes of cranberry, pomegranate, blood orange and forest floor, Block 5 is wonderfully complete with great structure and a long, juicy finish.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Pale to medium ruby, the 2017 Pinot Noir Dierberg Vineyard Block 5 opens with scents of rhubarb, raspberry, red berries and blueberries with herbs, tobacco leaf, orange peel, cinnamon stick and amaro. The palate is light to medium-bodied, silky and intense with gently chalky tannins and integrated freshness, finishing long and layered. Rating : 94+
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.