Caretaker Wines
Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
Santa Maria Valley, Central Coast, California, USA
Smelled like pure burnt charcoal when I opened it. Tasted like overripe plum and strawberries but got considerably smoother after sitting in the decanter for a half hour. Still, a little too young and sassy for me.
Smelled like pure burnt charcoal when I opened it. Tasted like overripe plum and strawberries but got considerably smoother after sitting in the decanter for a half hour. Still, a little too young and sassy for me.
3 people found it helpfulOct 9th, 2016Light, easy to drink in summer
Light, easy to drink in summer
2 people found it helpfulAug 25th, 2014
Decent. Too much oak though.
Decent. Too much oak though.
2 people found it helpfulJul 24th, 2014
Caretaker – Pinot Noir 2016
Santa Maria Valley, Central Coast, California – USA 🇺🇸
Overview
A mature Pinot Noir from the cool-climate Santa Maria Valley, an AVA celebrated for its ocean-influenced breezes and long growing season. Even with nearly a decade of age, this bottle still shows charm and balance, proving the longevity potential of well-made Central Coast Pinot.
Aromas & Flavors
Notes of baked raisins, dried figs, and black cherry dominate, with subtle hints of spice and earthiness adding depth. Secondary characteristics from age bring a soft, dried fruit sweetness, leaning more toward warmth and roundness than fresh vibrancy.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with softened tannins and a silky, mellow texture. The acidity has relaxed over time, but enough freshness remains to keep the wine affable and enjoyable to the very last drop.
Food Pairing
Perfect with roasted duck, mushroom risotto, or a simple charcuterie spread. Its aged character also makes it a fine companion to semi-hard cheeses.
Verdict
A pleasant surprise — still approachable, rounded, and enjoyable despite its maturity. While the prime window has passed, this 2016 Pinot shows that Santa Maria fruit holds up gracefully and rewards those who hold on just a little longer. Cheers!
Caretaker – Pinot Noir 2016
Santa Maria Valley, Central Coast, California – USA 🇺🇸
Overview
A mature Pinot Noir from the cool-climate Santa Maria Valley, an AVA celebrated for its ocean-influenced breezes and long growing season. Even with nearly a decade of age, this bottle still shows charm and balance, proving the longevity potential of well-made Central Coast Pinot.
Aromas & Flavors
Notes of baked raisins, dried figs, and black cherry dominate, with subtle hints of spice and earthiness adding depth. Secondary characteristics from age bring a soft, dried fruit sweetness, leaning more toward warmth and roundness than fresh vibrancy.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with softened tannins and a silky, mellow texture. The acidity has relaxed over time, but enough freshness remains to keep the wine affable and enjoyable to the very last drop.
Food Pairing
Perfect with roasted duck, mushroom risotto, or a simple charcuterie spread. Its aged character also makes it a fine companion to semi-hard cheeses.
Verdict
A pleasant surprise — still approachable, rounded, and enjoyable despite its maturity. While the prime window has passed, this 2016 Pinot shows that Santa Maria fruit holds up gracefully and rewards those who hold on just a little longer. Cheers!
Little more sour a little more spicy. Definitely interesting.
Little more sour a little more spicy. Definitely interesting.
Apr 11th, 2025
Closer to the Reds I'm currently liking right now (Pommard), but perhaps more on the over-ripe side, especially after it's been opened for a day. It's definitely jammy strawberries, with some dark ripe plums, acidity (location and soils - shale, limestone and sandy loam), dance-ability and fun on the palate right after opening. More cherry and oak notes after 24 hours but overall something that goes really well with food (heirloom tomatoes and burrata, white and pink pasta sauces). When I saw Santa Maria Valley I knew I'd like this wine and I would definitely buy this again!
Closer to the Reds I'm currently liking right now (Pommard), but perhaps more on the over-ripe side, especially after it's been opened for a day. It's definitely jammy strawberries, with some dark ripe plums, acidity (location and soils - shale, limestone and sandy loam), dance-ability and fun on the palate right after opening. More cherry and oak notes after 24 hours but overall something that goes really well with food (heirloom tomatoes and burrata, white and pink pasta sauces). When I saw Santa Maria Valley I knew I'd like this wine and I would definitely buy this again!
May 13th, 2024
Very light bodied, light red fruits, trader Joe's find. Ok
Very light bodied, light red fruits, trader Joe's find. Ok
Mar 20th, 2024Easy drinker found at Trader Joe's. Would buy again. Light bodied, light tannins, nice easy fruity flavors
Easy drinker found at Trader Joe's. Would buy again. Light bodied, light tannins, nice easy fruity flavors
Oct 16th, 2022