D. Maria

Cambria Estate Winery

Julia's Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021

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

Caretaker Wines

Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir 2016

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

Ted liked this

Stolpman Vineyards

Para Maria de los Tecolotes Syrah - Petit Verdot Blend 2021

Plum, smoky, hint of tobacco, smooth and creamy texture, pairs well with red sauce pasta. — 3 years ago

Au Bon Climat

Hildegard Estate Bottled Santa Maria Valley White Blend 2018

Apple, lemon candy, dried apricot, oak and hints of peach. Great acidity and balance. — 3 years ago

Milissa liked this

Foxen

Block 8 Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017

Strawberry, black cherry jolly rancher, nutmeg, and earth aromas. Strawberry and cherry palate with great acidity and juicy palate. — 4 years ago

Jamie, Ira and 12 others liked this
Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego Premium Badge

Thought I was a Foxen, Sea Smoke and Patz & Hall fan. Guess again...generally, pretty delicious juice.

Domain d' Andezon

Côtes du Rhône Syrah 2017

a little acidic at first but it really opens up as you drink it. i like it more and more. — 6 years ago

Cambria Estate Winery

Katherine's Vineyard Chardonnay 2021

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

Cambria Estate Winery

Clone 4 Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir 2020

Ruby with red cherry aromas. On the bud, there is a slight tartness with a medium finish. — 10 months ago

Anna Maria Abbona

Sori dij But Dogliani Dolcetto

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

Jay Omobono
with Jay
Jay liked this

Herman Story

Smash City Pinot Noir 2021

Delectable Wine
9.1

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

Au Bon Climat

Knox Alexander Estate Bottled Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir 2018

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

Liquid Farm

La Hermana Chardonnay

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

The Ojai Vineyard

Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013

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

Mollydooker Wines

The Maitre D Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

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

Tom, Andrew and 2 others liked this

Villa Maria

Private Bin Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2023

One of the best Sauv. Blanc. Really recommend, great value for money! — a year ago

Daniel liked this

Au Bon Climat

Nuits-Blanches au Bouge Estate Bottled Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay 2021

Apparently this translates to “up all night” or something heeeeeyyyyy — 2 years ago

Dylan liked this

Byron

Nielson Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir 2013

v13. Drinking well. Rich, smokey nose. Luscious bing and black cherry medley. Full, bright, round, earth and coffee finish. — 3 years ago

Chanin

Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016

Had to use the back label to find! Good stuff as I pregame for some time with the wife! — 3 years ago

Foxen

Block UU-Bien Nacido Vineyard Chardonnay 2014

Ming L
9.0

Juicy nose of green apple, dried chrysanthemum, pineapple, and subtle vanilla on the nose. Rich and dense, almost oily, on the palate, but not heavy. Round acidity laced with mint. Energetic and well balanced. — 6 years ago

Brynn and Melita liked this