After tasting the wonderful Chardonnay from this vineyard, I got directions to check out the vineyard, located on the north side of Price Canyon Road just east of the town of Pismo Beach. It’s a beautiful site, with multiple sun exposures and a dependable morning and evening fog layer for most of the year. This Pinot Noir fits right into the Oceano portfolio of quality, with cherry, strawberry, easy oak spice and rich dry earth, all riding lively acidity through a long finish where the spice is currently forward. I’d rest this in the cellar a while for full enjoyment, but you can’t go wrong in the near term by pairing it with a pork tenderloin or mild cheeses. Another winner for Rachel Martin’s venture.
Oceano, San Luis Obispo County (California) Pinot Noir 2018
By Rich Cook