First vintage ever produced of this wine. Less than 100 cases. From the highest portion of Bien Nacido and a monopole for the Estate winery. Super acid structure but not lacking fruit. Amazing.
First vintage ever produced of this wine. Less than 100 cases. From the highest portion of Bien Nacido and a monopole for the Estate winery. Super acid structure but not lacking fruit. Amazing.
Nov 17th, 2018
Heck of a 3rd Friday to kick off the holidays!
Funk, meat, tangy plum, and old potpourri. Acidic on the palate. There is a tomato paste and fox fur note reminiscent of Cayuse, but it stops short of the power of Cayuse. Black pepper finish. This is Funky WA state Syrah meets whole cluster CA Pinot. Awesome!
Heck of a 3rd Friday to kick off the holidays!
Funk, meat, tangy plum, and old potpourri. Acidic on the palate. There is a tomato paste and fox fur note reminiscent of Cayuse, but it stops short of the power of Cayuse. Black pepper finish. This is Funky WA state Syrah meets whole cluster CA Pinot. Awesome!
1 person found it helpfulDec 22nd, 2018
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.
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.
Sep 8th, 2025
Excellent, complex Pinot. Fruity with a nice mineral balance.
Excellent, complex Pinot. Fruity with a nice mineral balance.
Aug 11th, 2020
Santa Maria Valley, Central Coast, California, USA
