2021 Bien Nacido Pinot Noir

Appellation

Santa Maria Valley

Varietal

Pinot Noir

Wine Enthusiast

Jeb Dunnuck

Vinous

Vineyard Sources

100% Bien Nacido Vineyard (Block 1E) located in the Santa Maria Valley

Barrel Aging

Aged 14 months in 100% French oak, of which 38% were new

Cooperage

Mercurey, Francois Freres, Gillet

Technical Data

Composition

100% Pinot Noir (Clones: Pommard & 115)

Alcohol %

13.5

Acidity

0.600 g/100mL

3.54

Harvest Brix

23.9-25.7

Harvest Date

9/30/21

Production

380 cases

Description

This wine is a quintessential example of the high pedigree of fruit from the fabled Bien Nacido vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley.

Big, rich and velvety on the palate with loads of forward cherry & strawberry fruit framed in with complex spice, cola and toast characteristics. This wine is eminently drinkable today but also has a great track record of aging for 8-10 years. Cheers!

Wine Critic Reviews

"The 2021 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard marries the savory intensity of the year with notable depth and texture. Dark red/purplish fruit, blood orange, mint, spice and dried flowers are some of the many notes that grace this exquisite, wonderfully expressive wine." ~ Antonio Galloni's Vinous "Another lighter ruby-hued effort from this estate, the 2021 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard has an incredibly floral quality as well as perfumed notes of wild strawberries, forest floor, and black tea. It’s medium-bodied and elegant, with integrated tannins and outstanding length." ~ Jeb Dunnuck "Prominent minerality marks the nose of this bottling, starting with aromas of volcanic rocks and turned earth that show alongside a boysenberry touch. The palate is fruitier with strawberry and more boysenberry, as peppercorn adds spice." ~ Wine Enthusiast