The Wine Advocate | RP 93
Published: Mar 15, 2022

Made with about 12% whole clusters, the 2019 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard is ultra perfumed, with scents of graphite-laced black cherries, orange peel, woodsmoke and bergamot. The medium-bodied palate is gently chalky and very fresh, with energetic, earth-laced fruits and a long, uplifted finish.
Drink Date: 2022 - 2032

Winemaker

Hailing from many blocks high and low on the hillsides of Bien Nacido, the Estate Pinot Noir captures all of the traditional notes from this unique site. Intense aromas of black and red figs, Damson plums, and fruit leather get surrounded by the noticeable brown spice. Radicchio and pecan skin balance a fig pastry sweetness on the palate. It will only grow more complex in the bottle. We expect this wine to come into its own sometime in the next five years and age beautifully through 2030 and beyond.

Our Bien Nacido Estate Pinot Noir offers one of the finest expressions of our vineyard, with grape selection limited to only 2% of all Pinot Noir grapes planted at the Estate. Coming from 5 distinct blocks - Block 1, Block G, Block Q, Block 40, and San Vincente - this wine embodies the characteristics that the Santa Maria Valley has become known for. It is both savory and spicy, with full black fruit character and beautiful floral notes. We allow fermentation of our Pinot Noir to happen naturally and age these wines for 18 months in 30% new French oak.