Caretaker – Pinot Noir 2016
Santa Maria Valley, Central Coast, California – USA 🇺🇸
Overview
A mature Pinot Noir from the cool-climate Santa Maria Valley, an AVA celebrated for its ocean-influenced breezes and long growing season. Even with nearly a decade of age, this bottle still shows charm and balance, proving the longevity potential of well-made Central Coast Pinot.
Aromas & Flavors
Notes of baked raisins, dried figs, and black cherry dominate, with subtle hints of spice and earthiness adding depth. Secondary characteristics from age bring a soft, dried fruit sweetness, leaning more toward warmth and roundness than fresh vibrancy.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with softened tannins and a silky, mellow texture. The acidity has relaxed over time, but enough freshness remains to keep the wine affable and enjoyable to the very last drop.
Food Pairing
Perfect with roasted duck, mushroom risotto, or a simple charcuterie spread. Its aged character also makes it a fine companion to semi-hard cheeses.
Verdict
A pleasant surprise — still approachable, rounded, and enjoyable despite its maturity. While the prime window has passed, this 2016 Pinot shows that Santa Maria fruit holds up gracefully and rewards those who hold on just a little longer. Cheers! — 9 months ago
Plum, smoky, hint of tobacco, smooth and creamy texture, pairs well with red sauce pasta. — 3 years ago
Apple, lemon candy, dried apricot, oak and hints of peach. Great acidity and balance. — 3 years ago
a little acidic at first but it really opens up as you drink it. i like it more and more. — 6 years ago
Very nice Chardonnay! Yellowish with pear, apple, white floral, and piney aromas. Nice body with a long finish. A little bit of butter and tartness. Great with our Salmon and Risotto! — 8 months ago
Ruby with red cherry aromas. On the bud, there is a slight tartness with a medium finish. — 10 months ago
Nose - soil, wet stone and petrichor/rainy day. Main flavors - delicate stone fruit like plum, cherry and an after taste of fruit pits. Mouthfeel - silky upfront and the a little bit of acid and zing on the back. Really approachable wine. Don’t sleep on dolcetto! Lovely wine. — a year ago
The 2021 Smash City is bright and floral with a wild blend of crushed strawberries, dusty rose, citrus and spice. This is juicy and fruit-focused, with crisp red berries elevated by traces of citrus under an air of violet inner florals. The Smash City cleans up beautifully, full of energy and perfumed, leaving the palate nicely refreshed. This lively Pinot Noir is produced with all Bien Nacido fruit. (Eric Guido, Vinous, May 2023) — 3 years ago
Schoolbook pinot with warm strawberry and sloeberry fruit. Cranberries on the finish. Some oak and spices on the finish. Simply very enjoyable! — 4 years ago
This wine has bright acidity, notes of citrus, green apples, yellow pears and white flowers. Which went very
well with the grill fennel with mustard seeds sauce and prosciutto, sweet potatoes, portobella mushrooms and skirt steak which was season with just salt, pepper and some mustard seeds. This wine is very well structured and the flavors are intense with earthy and mineral driving finish which went great side by side the stake. — 5 years ago
We had the 2013 Vintage on 2/21-22/20. Bright red fruit on the bouquet. Tart cherry, strawberry and pomegranate on the palate. Bright and acidic. Good but not great. — 6 years ago
Dark Ruby color with aromas of berry fruit with earthy spice tones. On the palate cherry and blackberry flavors with pepper spice, tobacco and cacao on fine dusty tannins. Medium+ finish, nice mouthfeel, ending with fruit and an oak mineral character. — 8 months ago
One of the best Sauv. Blanc. Really recommend, great value for money! — a year ago
Apparently this translates to “up all night” or something heeeeeyyyyy — 2 years ago
v13. Drinking well. Rich, smokey nose. Luscious bing and black cherry medley. Full, bright, round, earth and coffee finish. — 3 years ago
Had to use the back label to find! Good stuff as I pregame for some time with the wife! — 3 years ago
Lovely wine. Delicious . — 5 years ago
Jack Petras
This 21 was better than expected. Was gifted to me and went perfectly with some casual carry out Chinese appetizers. Soft and spicy with gorgeous fruits not too tart and not flabby. — 7 months ago