Santa Maria Valley

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I’d like to think our work could progress in a straight line, but there always is a bit of trial and error in crafting wine. You tack in one direction to achieve something only to find that you’ve gone too far, so you take a new sighting and cast off in a slightly different direction, hoping to achieve your goals. Perfection is never attained, but you strive to get closer to your aim.

In the old days of California wine, we grew big unruly bush vines that produced fruit which ripened unevenly. To deal with the uneven ripeness, we picked the grapes after the least ripe ones were ready. As viticulture progressed, we began growing the vines in vertical trellises that allowed all of the fruit to get the same amount of sun exposure, which evened up the ripening. Later, further refinements like shoot-thinning, lateral removal, and green thinning contributed to more even maturation. These techniques have allowed us to pick physiologically ripe grapes at lower sugar levels, and the Bien Nacido pinot is an example of what we can achieve. We find these wines have more floral and spicy nuances—they are simply more aromatic. However, that powerful smooth textural sensation that one gets in high alcohol wines isn’t present, and some will miss it. For me, however, these new wines of ours are fresher and livelier, making them a joy to drink and a pleasure to have with a fine meal.

Every year I particularly like the wine we make from these old Martini clone Pinot Noir vines on eastern side of Q block. This is our 22nd Bien Nacido pinot noir from our section, and I think it is among our finest.

A wild spicy and animal note peeks up around the flowery rose-petal aromas that are typical of this site. Bien Nacido Pinot Noir is exciting because it has real originality. With a garnet color this pretty Pinot is balanced and has finesse. It exhibits a lovely perfume of plum and blackberry with a faint hint of spice and a long finish. It drinks deliciously now and will continue to evolve for the next decade.

Blend: 100% Pinot Noir | Vineyard: Bien Nacido | AVA: Santa Maria Valley | Alcohol: 13.5% | Vinification: 20% New French Oak | Barrel Aging: 15 Months | Total Production: 735 Cases

Press Reviews

Antonio Galloni’s Vinous

“Ojai’s 2012 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard is beautiful. Dark red and blue-toned fruit, menthol, pine and spices are all laced together in a floral, lifted Pinot with gorgeous aromatic presence, mid-weight pliancy and terrific balance. Here, too, the style is pretty immediate, which suggests the 2012 is best enjoyed sooner rather than later. Subtle saline notes round out the finish. This parcel is planted with Martini and 777 clones.” – AG 92 Points

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“Medium-bodied, lightly textured and exceedingly elegant, Adam’s 2012 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido has pretty rose petal, mint and sweet berry fruits to go with a seamless, pure and classy overall palate feel. It has more depth and richness than the special bottling, and it’s a beautiful Pinot that will have a decade of longevity.” – JD 91 Points