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. — a month ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Pale lemon color with aromas of stone and citrus fruits and nutty floral notes, 50% fruit from certified organic Double L estate, with the balance from McIntyre and Tondré vineyards. On the palate flavors of apple, pear, lemon citrus zest and melon, complex with mineral tones and soft and a bit creamy adding sweet spice. The wine was fresh and vibrant with crisp acidity, well balanced on a long finish ending with fruit and mineral character. Nice! — 6 months ago

John Jaye

9.1

A fine wine with lots of fruit and mineral aspects. Can still age a bit — 4 years ago

Tom Garland

9.5

Double decant and pour(little fine sediment). A striking dark magenta color with some bricking. On the nose: dark fruit, herbaceous, worn leather, touch of stewed meat, sweet vanilla toast. Taste: silky, rich, nice depth wine with dark cherry/plum, soil, crushed gravel, dried herbs, smoke, and a peppery chocolate espresso medium plus finish. YUM!!! — 2 months ago

with Brenda

Galen Hasler

8.9

Likely closed. Decanted, opened some but red fruits, dried herbs and spices are hidden — 6 months ago

Austin Moberg

9.0

Local to me 6 wine tasting best wine of the tasting I’m really like these local syrahs — a year ago

Marc Melser

9.2

We had the 2019 Vintage on 7/26-27/25. Nice bouquet and palate of black cherry, strawberry and cardomom. Beautiful mouthfeel. New World. Would easily buy more. Classic tastes and aromas of SLH. — 2 months ago

JKT

9.2

As good as a Morgan can get? Frances, lift, complexity, Gamay fruits. — 3 months ago

Austin Moberg

9.1

Absolute banger for the price — 9 months ago

Paul J

8.9

Sweeter than I expected. Lemongrass and metallic flavors dominate. Decent acidity and deep flavors. Medium plus depth. Not bad. — 2 years ago

with Brooke