2014 Bien Nacido Estate Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2014 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard was a bit reticent when I tasted it, showing some reduction that dissipated with aeration, revealing notes of smoky red and black fruit and espresso roast, followed by a supple, velvety palate with a nice core of sapid fruit and lovely purity. It's very promising, but I'd be inclined to forget it in the cellar for another year.
Critic scores
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
A huge, explosive wine, the 2014 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyards is another Pinot that is going to need time to come into its own. Soaring aromatics and intense, red-toned fruit make a strong opening impression. Readers should expect a boisterous, structured Pinot Noir endowed with serious heft.
An earthier, mineral-driven style (which is unquestionably the vineyard), the 2014 Pinot Noir saw the same one-third whole clusters and 18 months in 33% new French oak. It gives up plenty of black cherry, currants, crushed rock, iodine, and peppery herbs nuances in a fresh, yet nicely concentrated package. I like the breadth on the palate of the Solomon Hills Pinot Noir more, yet this is still a stunning wine that will keep for a decade. These terrific wines are made by Trey Fletcher, and while the majority come from the namesake vineyard outside of Santa Maria, they make a sensational Pinot Noir from the Solomon Hills Vineyard as well.
The 2014 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyards is shaping up to be a real beauty. Today, the 2014 is dark, sensual and alluring, with a distinctive core of bluish hued fruit. Violets, lavender, blood orange and mint are laced into a super-expressive, salivating finish overlaid with pretty savory notes. Today, vintage dominates over site, but it is early.