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. — 25 days ago

Carly Schroeder

8.9

Solid red blend — 5 years ago

Jonathan Wall

9.1

Always good. Perfect wine for a Burger, popcorn, and the "Captain Underpants" movie with the kids. — 6 years ago

John Gallo

8.9

Paid €45 for the bottle at Osteria Del Pavone. Marco was the wine captain and his recommendation was excellent! It was a delightful Chianti - rich and full!  we would get it again. Price was reasonable for a Restaurant.  — a year ago

M. Christopher Roebuck

9.3

Past notes apply, but let's go through the motions. Decanted for 45 minutes. Nose: Tobacco, pine needles, soil, and a cherry base. Deep ruby in color, medium plus bodied, medium plus alcohol, medium acidity. More red cherry emerges on the palate, and pipe tobacco... More precisely, my dad's Captain Black from the 1980s. Taste not quite as complex as the smell. Finish is medium. Tannins are perfectly centered. This just misses my 94 point threshold.

93 points — 4 years ago

Sam Lee

8.9

Luv the vibe
Luv the tone rich and balance as it said
Seconds alongside with my Cabernet merlot, this one is typical California Wine, fruity sweet with all fruit dominates
🍒🍇🥭
So much fruit berry here
With touch of green mango 🥭🥭🥭
blackberry plum blackcurrant black cherry raspberry so much cherry plum lots of plum here like a giant plum ground
🎡
Feels of sun vibe beach sands shore
🗺
Like a yacht boat with smiley captain
👨🏻‍🦰 — 5 years ago

Joe Lyons

9.1

Just wonderful on the captain list and we drink it on a Tuesday!! Great body and spice!!! — 7 years ago

with Michelle

John Hagood

8.9

From the cave of Captain Shirvinsky — 3 years 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

CA Haynam

9.2

A subtle fruity nose. Dry but fruity body with slightly tannic finish. Very nice. — 7 years ago