Santa Barbara County

add to cart View The Vineyard Aging Recomendations OneSheet

Since 2005 we have been experimenting with when to pick our pinot noir. I slowly realized we were missing something if the fruit got too ripe. Yes, riper fruit produces bigger, thicker wines but at the expense of aroma and freshness, and aroma is what pinot noir is all about. That realization was reinforced in 2010 and 2011 when the weather forced our hand and we harvested all of our fruit at lower sugar levels. The result from those two unusual years was a revelation—the pinot noirs were so lively and had extraordinarily perfumed aromas. We felt compelled to repeat what had learned in those years and carefully harvested everything in 2014 at just the right level of ripeness to capture the most aromatic essence of the fruit. What we crafted is a pinot noir that has a beautiful garnet color and an aroma of fruits and flowers and earth that really is expressive. The flavors are fresh and full bodied and it finishes with just the right level of juicy tannins. This pinot is young but displays a deliciousness and drinkability that makes it easy to have a second glass.

Blend: 100% Pinot Noir | Alc: 13.0% | Vinification: 30% New French Oak | Barrel Aging: 13 Months | Total Production: 1199 cases

Press Reviews

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“A relatively equal blend from the single vineyards, the 2015 Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County is a juicy, Pinot Noir that has plenty of texture, gripe and sappiness, with notes of framboise, forest floor and earth.” – JD

Antonio Galloni’s Vinous

“The 2015 Pinot Noir (Santa Barbara County) is a joyous wine. Orange peel, mint, tobacco, mint, sweet red berry and earthy notes give the 2015 its distinctive personality. Aromatic, beguiling and light on its feet, this is a terrific entry-level Pinot from Ojai.” – AG