Santa Maria Valley
2002 was an ideal year for pinot noir in Santa Barbara County. The weather was fine and moderate, and the crop size was tiny. Everything we purchased was harvested at about one ton to the acre-one half to one third of what would be considered a reasonable yield–ideal for the winemaker. The low crop made for super intense wines. In barrel this wine was very similar to our 2001-pure fruit flavors without a touch of herbaceousness. But as soon as we bottled this pinot it tightened up, and is only just beginning to show itself now. This Bien Nacido pinot noir is now quite delicious when paired with lamb, but it begs for more cellar time.