Price: $18.99
Sale Price: $15.97
We were taken aback by the beautiful Pinot typicity of this wine from Santa Barbara, especially for this price. Pinot Noir is known to perform best in cooler climates with long growing seasons so it might be surprising to find out that this part of Southern California is real Pinot country. The climate, however, is cool in this area because of the daily influx of cold air from the Pacific pulled eastward along the east/west oriented Traverse Ranges. This Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara County comes from different top regional sub-appellations, including the Santa Maria and Santa Ynez Valleys. The Santa Maria Valley benefits from cool winds and fog from the Pacific Ocean, with much of the cool air settling into the lower-lying basins. Just south of the Santa Maria Valley, the Santa Ynez Valley has a range of microclimates, from the cool and foggy Santa Rita Hills to the warmer Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara inland. Primary fermentation in small vats is followed by malolactic conversion and ten months of aging in a French oak and tank. Smooth and velvety, packed with delicious flavors of red and purple berries. Complementary spicy cedar notes and a hint of herbs add layers of complexity. The Santa Ynez part adds richness and a darker fruit taste, while the Santa Maria section brings in fresh, savory notes of herbal tea and cherry. This would be a fine companion to a steak from the grill or a classic boeuf bourguignon.
