2009 pinot noir

Aromas of dark fruit mix with undertones of spicy lead. Upon decanting, the wine becomes botanical, interlaced with anise seed and tarragon. Its broad texture carries flavors of black cherry and strawberry with a mid-palate of Earl Grey tea and dried tobacco. With toothsome tannin, backbone and acidity, the wine remains balanced and graceful through the finish. Grapes were picked at night and whole cluster sorted at winery. Tanks were Pigeaged daily during 5-day cold soak. Separated lots by clone were not inoculated for fermentation and were on the skins for 9 days. Each lot was pressed separately, off-dry to barrels to complete RS and Malic fermentation.

• Santa Maria Valley: Rancho Ontiveros, Solomon Hills, Bien Nacido
• 11% New French, 89% Neutral French
• Aged 16 months

$28 - buy online

Alta Maria 2009 Pinot Noir fact sheet

From Antonio Galloni of Wine Advocate (Aug 2011):

“The 2009 Pinot Noir is a beautiful, understated wine. It emerges from the glass with soft, seductive Pinot red fruit, sweet spices and licorice. This is a striking, attractive red graced with exquisite class. A clean, mineral-laced finish intermingled with small bursts of fruit leaves a lasting impression. The Pinot Noir was sourced from Rancho Ontiveros, Solomon Hills and Bien Nacido. New oak was just 11%. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2016.

These are two gorgeous wines from Alta Maria Vineyards, a project headed by James Ontiveros and Paul Wilkins.”

92 points

From Steve Heimoff of Wine Enthusiast (Sep 2011):

91 points, Editor’s Choice

From J.L of Wine Spectator (Jun 2011):

“A great value in affordable Pinot Noir. Fresh, snappy and vibrant, with a tight core of mineral-laced wild berry, blueberry, spice and gravel flavors. Full-bodied, complex and layered. Drink now through 2017. 1,660 cases made.”

91 points

From Anthony Dias of Tasting Panel (Jul 2011):

“Smooth and juicy with bright cherry and raspberry fruit; ripe and tangy with lively acidity and excellent balance; quite charming.”

90 points