Santa Barbara County
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Puerta Del Mar is our little six-acre vineyard way out by Lompoc, even further west than the Sta. Rita Hills. Constant coastal breezes come up the last river bends here and make for mild days when it’s warm just a short drive inland. The gentle ripening here provides a graceful, transparent pinot noir with great delicacy that draws you into the glass.
There’s a gorgeous ruby red brilliance to this 2015. Woven into the juicy tapestry of cherry and red berry flavors are the familiar elements of the exotic vineyard character here: cardamom, palo santo, white pepper, orange peel and salty minerals. An appealing streak of danker forest-y aromas, like the peaty scent of a shaded Big Sur creek, brings some earthy ballast into the mix too.
Years of drought brought low yields to the site in 2015, as drought stressed our vineyards with salty buildup on the vine roots, putting quite a damper on vigor. So, this 2015 brings a nice bit of fruity gravity to the lifted, spicy appeal of this pinot noir.
It’s a different kind of pinot noir than the sweet, black renditions your father got excited about years back, and that’s a great thing! Puerta Del Mar offers radiant aromas and delicious food-friendly mineral tang—just a perfect complement to a roast chicken, or cedar-plank grilled salmon if you feel like spoiling someone.
Blend: 100% Pinot Noir | Alc: 13.0% | Vinification: Fermented with destemmed fruit | Barrel Aging: 11 Months in French Oak barrels, 25% new| Total Production 560 cases
Press Reviews
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“The 2015 Pinot Noir Puerta del Mar offers up aromas of raspberry, cassis, currant leaf and lilac. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied, fine-boned and savory with velvety tannins, a crunchy core of fruit and a long, sapid finish. This is one of the more reserved offerings in the portfolio, and I’d be inclined to cellar it for a year or two before pulling corks, though it can be approached now.2018-2028.” – William Kelley 92+ points
Antonio Galloni’s Vinous
“The 2015 Pinot Noir Puerta del Mar comes across as a bit edgy and tightly wound. Then again, that is the personality of this cool-climate site near the Pacific Ocean. Intensely savory and mineral, the 2015 is going to need at least a year in bottle to unfurl. Even so, expect it to remain somewhat angular and austere in its expression.” – AG 92 points
Jeb Dunnuck
“Framboise, dried flowers and cherry notes all emerge from the 2015 Pinot Noir Puerta Del Mar. This medium-bodied, fresh, and lively Pinot drinks in a cool, sappy, mineral-driven style.”- JD 91 Points
