Grapes for Presqu’ile’s Santa Barbara Pinot Noir derive principally from their estate vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley, with supplemental fruit from the Solomon Hills and Bien Nacido vineyards. This is their entry-level Pinot, and like the companion Chardonnay is nationally distributed but not available for purchase on their website. It’s a brilliant ruby color with a fine fragrance of potpourri, cranberry, rose hips, juniper, spearmint, and washed linen. The palate is sharply delineated, its tart acidity accented by pink flowers and tea while a black fruits mumur below. Unusual for New World Pinot Noir in its finishing astringency. Quite delicious.
