I love Santa Barbara pinots because they tend to give a big middle finger to what is popular with California pinots. Instead of big and robust this is earthy and old world driven, with a nose full of sour cherries and wet earth and day old cola. The palate is fresh and acidic if a tiny bit sour. It's high in alcohol which is the major indication that this is new world. It's a slight point deduction, but only slight.
I love Santa Barbara pinots because they tend to give a big middle finger to what is popular with California pinots. Instead of big and robust this is earthy and old world driven, with a nose full of sour cherries and wet earth and day old cola. The palate is fresh and acidic if a tiny bit sour. It's high in alcohol which is the major indication that this is new world. It's a slight point deduction, but only slight.
1 person found it helpfulSep 21st, 2017I've always loved this label. Always had a good to great pinot that could be considered as a treasured find. This one's exactly that. 21 bottles remaining you say?!? I'll take them all. 89pts. ANW/425
I've always loved this label. Always had a good to great pinot that could be considered as a treasured find. This one's exactly that. 21 bottles remaining you say?!? I'll take them all. 89pts. ANW/425
Jan 25th, 2017Mason Balistreri
Sommelier, International Wine Guild; Balistreri Vineyard; Sales, Joy Wine and Spirits
8.8
Actually very nice, classic burgundy like expression of pinot.
Actually very nice, classic burgundy like expression of pinot.
Dec 10th, 2014Decided to pour this Pinot to go with some English cheddars and crackers.
Decided to pour this Pinot to go with some English cheddars and crackers.
Dec 14th, 2024Pale ruby color. Aromas of cherry cola and wet dirt. Bright cherry flavors- pretty good Pinot.
Pale ruby color. Aromas of cherry cola and wet dirt. Bright cherry flavors- pretty good Pinot.
Oct 8th, 20212017. Quite nice. Definite earthiness with dark fruit flavors
2017. Quite nice. Definite earthiness with dark fruit flavors
Jun 12th, 2020This is delicious
Jun 3rd, 2020Deeper medium bodied dark red fruit blend of Pinot vineyards in Santa Barbara County. Nicely balanced, refined, tasty - good value...
Deeper medium bodied dark red fruit blend of Pinot vineyards in Santa Barbara County. Nicely balanced, refined, tasty - good value...
Sep 8th, 2019Delish
Jun 15th, 2019Very good Pinot for the $20 price category. Great clarity of color, legs, light tannins. Moderate strong fruit, easy on the palate w/full flavor, good balance and very nice finish. Better than it's rated by others...
Very good Pinot for the $20 price category. Great clarity of color, legs, light tannins. Moderate strong fruit, easy on the palate w/full flavor, good balance and very nice finish. Better than it's rated by others...
Nov 22nd, 2018