2002 PINOT NOIR BIEN
NACIDO
Santa barbara County
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.