Santa Maria Valley

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Every year I particularly like the wine we make from these old Martini clone pinot noir vines on the eastern side of Q block. We have been purchasing the fruit from these rows since 1991. A wild spicy and animal note peeks up around the flowery rose-petal aromas that are typical from this site. Bien Nacido pinot noir is so exciting because it has real originality.

2009 was a harvest where one had to be quick. Everything looked perfect and the harvest was but a couple of days away when the dreaded dry Santa Ana winds came up and we had to jump into action. We were quick, so it was possible to capture some mineral freshness along with the rich plum fruit that comes with ripeness. This Bien Nacido pinot is easy going, consensual and delicious–nothing wrong with that!

Blend: 100% Pinot Noir | Alc: 14.0% | Vinification: 30% New French Oak | Barrel Aging: 14 Months | Total Production: 327 cases

Press Reviews

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“Black cherries, plums and spices come together in the 2009 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard. In 2009 the Bien Nacido is a much bigger and darker wine than the Kick On Ranch. The combination of a sudden heat spike just before harvest and the use of 20% new barrels combined to yield a rich, big wine within the context of the Ojai house style. Another year or two in bottle should help some of the slightly rough edges to soften.” – AG 91 Points

Burghound

“Black cherries, plums and spices come together in the A pretty mix of red and blue pinot fruit with attractive spice notes leads to opulent yet detailed medium-bodied flavors that possess a sophisticated mouth feel. There is good depth to the persistent and well-balanced finish where a hint of mocha arrives.” 89 Points

Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar

“Bright ruby-red.  A highly expressive bouquet of pure red fruits and flowers, with slow-building smokiness and notes of licorice and Asian spices.  Fresh, incisive and light on its feet, showing excellent clarity to its strawberry and raspberry flavors.  Refreshingly bitter on the finish, with the floral and spice notes echoing with real authority.  This year’s version is even sexier than the excellent 2008.” – JR 92 Points