Bien Nacido serves as the birthplace of winemaking in Santa Maria Valley, a benchmark and crowning jewel spanning approximately 1,200 hectares, with about 240 hectares dedicated to vineyards. While multiple grape varieties thrive, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay flourish on its gently rolling hills, benefiting from the Pacific Ocean's breezes due to the unique west-to-east orientation of the Santa Ynez Mountains. The Miller family, fifth-generation California farmers, initiated vine planting in 1973. To date, 83 different clients purchase grapes from Bien Nacido Vineyard, including renowned producers like Joel Gott and Orin Swift, as well as smaller wineries such as Au Bon Climat, Ojai, Qupe, Tyler, and Gary Farrell, which have contributed to its fame. "Having Bien Nacido on a label always signifies a certain level of quality," explains Nick DeLuca, Grape Sales Manager for The Thornhill Company, the Miller family's business, which also includes the nearby Solomon Hills Winery.
NOTES FROM VINOVOSS SOMMELIER
The Bien Nacido Vineyards Pinot Noir is a truly exceptional wine.With its origins in the renowned Bien Nacido Vineyards, this wine offers a unique expression of the terroir and the skilled craftsmanship of the winemakers.
On the nose, this Pinot Noir presents an enticing bouquet of ripe red fruits, such as cherries and raspberries, accompanied by delicate floral notes and a hint of earthiness. The aromas are vibrant and inviting, promising a complex and enjoyable tasting experience.
Upon tasting, the wine reveals a harmonious balance between fruitiness and acidity. The red fruit flavors continue to shine, with additional layers of blackberries and plums adding depth and complexity. The wine's silky texture and refined tannins contribute to a smooth and elegant mouthfeel.
The Bien Nacido Vineyards Pinot Noir is a medium-bodied wine with a long and satisfying finish. It pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, including roasted poultry, grilled salmon, or mushroom risotto. Its versatility and finesse make it a delightful choice for both casual and formal occasions.
The Central Coast of California is a wine lover's paradise, boasting a wide variety of climates, soils, and grape varieties. Located between San Francisco and Los Angeles, the Central Coast spans from Monterey County in the north to Santa Barbara County in the south. With its diverse topography and Mediterranean climate, the Central Coast is home to some of the most renowned wineries in the United States.
The Central Coast has a long and storied history of winemaking, dating back to the mid-1800s. The first vineyards were planted in the Santa Clara Valley, and by the late 1800s, the region was producing some of the finest wines in the country. The region's reputation for quality wines was further solidified in the early 1989, when the Santa Clara Valley was declared among the first American Viticultural Area (AVA) in the United States.