Harvest
The 2018 growing season in Santa Barbara County provided a summer that alternated between mild and warm, with a cool autumn that allowed the grapes to remain on the vine until they reached ideal ripeness. While the quality of the grapes was phenomenal, our overall yields for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir were down due to the extremely small size of the clusters and berries. The majority of our fruit was harvested in late September, yielding wines with beautifully balanced acidity, exceptional weight and texture, and complex varietal flavors. Overall, it was a fantastic harvest and an absolutely stellar vintage.
Winemaking
One of California’s Grand Cru-caliber vineyards, Bien Nacido has yielded a gloriously lush and velvety expression of Pinot Noir, with bright red berry aromas and hints of white pepper spice. On the palate, bright acidity adds refinement to the Bing cherry, strawberry and cranberry flavors, with soft, silky tannins carrying the wine to a juicy, mouth-filling finish.
Aging
Aged 10 months in 100% French oak 35% new. 5 day cold soak, small batch open top fermentations, 3-6 ton fermentations, daily punch downs.