2020 Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido Vineyard - Block 8
Santa Maria Valley
"Another Pinot Noir from the famed Bien Nacido vineyard, this one from Block 8. Resting for 16 months in 42% new French oak barrels, it presents a medium translucent ruby core with a light purple rim in the glass. Lots of red and purple flowers spill from the glass, alongside huckleberry, Bing cherries, and cedar spices. Vibrant and crunchy on the palate, the lemony acidity tempers the present tannins. It finishes long, with a cranberry-esque note on the back of the palate. A little over 600 cases produced. " - International Wine Report, 94 Points
"The 2020 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block 8 is bright, punchy and super-expressive. There's a real feeling of exuberance, mostly the result of a mix of numberous clones planted in the block. A rush of red/purplish fruit, lavender, mint sage and reose petal lends notable exuberance throughout. There's plenty of immediacy and textural resonance here." - Vinous, 93 Points
"A live wire wine, with racy damson plum and red currant coulis notes that keep a steady pulse through the minerally, sanguine-edged finish. Lengthy and precise. Drink now through 2031. 601 cases made." - Wine Spectator, 93 Points
"This is also airy and pure with its high-toned notes of cranberry liqueur, rose petal and a plum nuance. The delicious and generous, even opulent, medium weight flavors terminate in a dusty, youthfully austere and compact finale that stops just short of dryness. I suspect that this will round out with a few years of keeping though at present, it's fairly tightly wound." - Burghound, 90 Points
"The 2020 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block 8 is another wine that lacks a touch of clarity aromatically yet brings solid fruit and richness, as well as balance on the palate. Mulled red and black fruits, spice, loamy earth, and some underbrush notes give way to a medium to full-bodied, balanced, nicely textured effort that will no doubt keep for 7-8 years." - JebDunnuck.com, 90 Points