Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Bien Nacido Estate – Pinot Noir “The Captain” 2022
Santa Maria Valley AVA, Santa Barbara County, California – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Often referred to as the “Grand Cru of California vineyards”, Bien Nacido has built a legendary reputation since 1973 for producing some of the state’s finest Pinot Noir and Syrah. “The Captain” is a limited parcel Pinot Noir, shaped by cool ocean breezes and limestone-rich soils that bring freshness, elegance, and a true sense of place.

Aromas & Flavors
Lifted aromas of wild strawberry, red cherry, and pomegranate mingle with rose petals, white pepper, and forest floor. On the palate, flavors of raspberry compote, dried herbs, and a touch of baking spice unfold gracefully.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied, elegant, and structured. Silky tannins glide through vibrant acidity, finishing long and lifted with red fruit purity and earthy undertones.

Winemaking Notes
Grapes hand-harvested from select hillside blocks of Bien Nacido Estate. Whole-cluster fermentation adds aromatic lift and savory complexity. Aged in French oak barrels (30–40% new) for nuance without overpowering the fruit.

Food Pairing
Perfect with duck breast, roasted salmon, mushroom risotto, or truffle pasta. Its finesse also shines with charcuterie and artisanal cheeses.

Verdict
The Captain captures the pinnacle of Bien Nacido Pinot Noir — terroir-driven, age-worthy, and undeniably elegant. A bottle that blends history, pedigree, and craftsmanship into one unforgettable wine. — a month ago

JoEll White

9.0

So juicy and delicious with a dark chocolate flourless brownie. Amplified the cocoa notes with the brownie. Dark cherry, baking spice — 4 years ago

with LeAnn

Cliff Fisher

9.0

Peach and cantaloupe on the nose. Sweet, vanilla cantaloupe and cotton candy. — 3 months ago

JKT

9.1

Potluck dinner at Butch. A surprisingly balanced complex low alcohol (13ABV) for NAPA Cab. Bright dark fruit notes on nose that carried over to lively lifted palate and good finish. 17 years! — a year ago

Carly Schroeder

8.9

Solid red blend — 5 years ago

Sarah Milsow-Guenther

9.1

This Morell-Lawrence Malbec from a concrete egg is a stunner for the value. One day two there is still an amazing pepper kick and almost a slight earthiness to it. Really nice wine. — 5 years ago

Ashish Pant

9.0

Cabernet from Napa will never be great, but this is damn good for being a Cabernet from Napa. Sugar is more muted than is the norm for the region. — 8 months ago

Ed Chin

9.2

Tons of fruit — a year ago

Karyn Fricke

8.9

Actually #1 of batch #34. How fun to drink #1 of the batch! Nutty yeasty aroma. Crisp and refreshing bubbles for New Years brunch in front of the fire. Add some pomegranate seeds and be festive. — 5 years ago

Jeff D.

9.5

Still structured and complex, little to no sign of aging whatsoever. Lot of life to it and wish I had more! — 6 years ago