Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Bien Nacido Estate – Pinot Noir “The Captain” 2022
Santa Maria Valley AVA, Santa Barbara County, California – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Often referred to as the “Grand Cru of California vineyards”, Bien Nacido has built a legendary reputation since 1973 for producing some of the state’s finest Pinot Noir and Syrah. “The Captain” is a limited parcel Pinot Noir, shaped by cool ocean breezes and limestone-rich soils that bring freshness, elegance, and a true sense of place.

Aromas & Flavors
Lifted aromas of wild strawberry, red cherry, and pomegranate mingle with rose petals, white pepper, and forest floor. On the palate, flavors of raspberry compote, dried herbs, and a touch of baking spice unfold gracefully.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied, elegant, and structured. Silky tannins glide through vibrant acidity, finishing long and lifted with red fruit purity and earthy undertones.

Winemaking Notes
Grapes hand-harvested from select hillside blocks of Bien Nacido Estate. Whole-cluster fermentation adds aromatic lift and savory complexity. Aged in French oak barrels (30–40% new) for nuance without overpowering the fruit.

Food Pairing
Perfect with duck breast, roasted salmon, mushroom risotto, or truffle pasta. Its finesse also shines with charcuterie and artisanal cheeses.

Verdict
The Captain captures the pinnacle of Bien Nacido Pinot Noir — terroir-driven, age-worthy, and undeniably elegant. A bottle that blends history, pedigree, and craftsmanship into one unforgettable wine. — 2 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

A little different from the Rosés I drink but pleasant. Soft on the palate with micro oxygenation. Blood orange, we’ll cook rhubarb, poached strawberries, orange & tangerine citrus blend, some white citrus, extremely soft powdery chalkiness, limestone marl, baguette crust, crush rocks, light red & pink florals ( roses), nice acid, well balanced finished fruit & earth. 80% Pinot 20% Chardonnay @ Compline Tasting Bar — 2 years ago

Elliot Rosen

9.1

This is really delicious with a slow cook brisket. — 5 years ago

Dave

9.3

I like the graphics. It looks like the wallpaper in an Italian restaurant in Philadelphia in 1965. The wine is great, too. I'm sneaking a sip while I cook, and hoping there will be a sip left when I'm done cooking. You ever do that?
I won't break down the flavor profile; it just tastes like solid Sangiovese.
Rocking out to Miles Davis. — 3 months ago

Yoly Sardinas

9.3

Dinner at the Villa Il Pioppo… chef Enzo cook a great meal — a year ago

Nicole Phipps

9.2

Christmas Eve bottle - 2020 - in lieu of champagne. Purchased at Cork (Cook). — 5 years ago

Romain Fitoussi

8.9

All in roundness, on notes of caramel, undergrowth, musk, and cook and roasted. It will win again with a few years in the cellar

Tout en rondeur, sur des notes de caramel, sous-bois, musk, et cuire et torréfiées. Il gagnera encore avec quelques années en cave — 5 years ago

Robert Torretti

9.2

Bought this bottle in 2010 or 2011 on a visit to the Vineyard when I got to spend an afternoon with Mauro. He told me then to put it down for 10-15 years and he was right! Spicy, hot (13.9% abv) and super interesting. Enjoyed at an Independence Day cook-out with Picanha, chicken, brats, and other grilled meats. — 4 months ago

with Sagan, Christine and 1 other

Richard Rosensweig

8.9

Red from Sancerre. Will wonders never cease? What’s impressive about this effort is how the mild and sunny weather of Loire did not over cook this wine. The flavors are strong, but restrained. It tastes like a lot of work went into getting an excellent balance of cherry, pencil shavings and lively acidity. Serving it a little chilled enhances the experience. — a year ago

Ceccherini Cristiano

9.3

1630 bottles produced
Old school natural wine
Niccolaini was the avant-garde of the movement without ever being in it himself.
I got told stories of a farm with no electricity perhaps a decade ago or so
Massa Vecchia is appreciated for all its labels and you can find out which one is your favourite
Personally i am not a rose drinker, but i knew i wasn't going to be disappointed here
This is more like a Valentini cerasuolo d'Abruzzo, but even more extract, i dare to say if you sell this wine for a red nobody would argue.
It's funky to start, it gives you cola and china and its fresh and fun, plus very long and mineral.
Quite earthy perhaps not a precise fruit to define, but real good altogether
For my understanding this is the last vintage made by Niccolaini' daughter in law as a winemaker and i keep a bottle of the next vintage..i am very curious to how he has come back to his captain seat. — 4 years ago