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Bien Nacido Vineyard

2012 Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir

The Gary Farrell Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir from the 2012 vintage is a stunning representation of the Santa Maria Valley, a region renowned for its exceptional cool-climate wines. This red wine showcases a medium-bodied profile, elegantly balancing its lively acidity with a fruit-forward character that highlights vibrant notes of ripe cherry and raspberry, intertwined with subtle hints of spice. The tannins are notably refined, providing a soft structure that complements the overall mouthfeel without overpowering the palate. With a delightful dryness, this Pinot Noir is beautifully expressive and harmonious, making it a perfect partner for a variety of dishes, from roasted poultry to earthy mushroom risottos. Its graceful complexity and lingering finish exemplify why the Santa Maria Valley is a sought-after destination for wine lovers.

Tasting notes:


Black Cherry

Black Cherry

Baking Spice

Baking Spice

Earth

Earth

Flavor profile:


Acidity Low

Low Pronounced

Body Medium

Very Light Full

Fruit Intensity Medium

Low Pronounced

Sweetness Dry

Bone Dry Sweet

Tannin Medium

Low Pronounced

Region:


Santa Maria Valley

One hundred forty miles northwest of Los Angeles, the Santa Maria Valley is one of California's finest wine regions. Sun-baked and dry, yet river-fed and cooled by Pacific Ocean airflow, the wide east-west valley produces some of North America's most impeccably balanced Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. With its long growing season, grapes ripen slowly here, developing layers of flavor and fragrance. Moving inland, the extra warmth allows Bordeaux, Rhône, and Piedmont grape varieties to ripen entirely, producing richly seductive wines. Santa Maria Valley is California's second-oldest AVA, straddling both Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.

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