Bien Nacido Vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley contributed 10% of the grapes to this juicy fruit-forward Pinot Noir, the majority coming from the Santa Rita Hills. Aged for 14 months in French oak, the color is a deep plum red while the aromatics show components of black cherry, black tea and exotic spices, that follow through to the flavors, adding a trace of anise. The wine finishes big and fruity with 13.9% alcohol and good texture.
Gainey, Sta. Rita Hills (Santa Barbara County, California) Pinot Noir 2008
By Gerald D. Boyd