2005 Pinot Noir - Santa Barbara County / Bien Nacido Vineyards

89 points - Wine Enthusiast Magazine

GRAPE SOURCE
With a rich history, beginning in 1837 as a Spanish land grant, Bien Nacido Vineyards have now become one of the most prestigious and best known vineyards in the Santa Maria appellation - a region which owes much of its reputation as a producer of world class Pinot Noir. Gary Farrell Winery has sourced fruit from this historic vineyard for more than twenty years. The Pinot Noir was handpicked from N and Q blocks and four clones of Pinot Noir were selected for planting: Pommard clone 4, Dijon clone 114, Dijon clone 115 and Dijon clone 777. The vines were planted to a high density on low vigor rootstock on a south-western facing slope.

WINEMAKING
The 2005 growing season was long and cool, producing a generous crop of fruit with excellent flavor development and balance. The grapes were hand-harvested in the early morning on September 14, then, after the clusters were de-stemmed, the must received a 5-day cold soak prior to fermentation. The finished wine was matured in a mix of 44% new, 38% one year old, and 18% two year-old French oak barrels for 13 months prior to bottling.

WINEMAKER'S NOTES
The 2005 Bien Nacido Pinot Noir has very pretty aromas and silky, elegant tannins. The nose is reminiscent of raspberries and black cherry with a hint of spiciness, and the textures are fine, rich and voluptuous. Decant and enjoy this very sophisticated, intriguing Pinot Noir over the next decade as the flavors continue to evolve. This wine pairs beautifully with duck confit and braised broccoli rabe.

Bottled: December 72006
Winemaker: Susan Reed
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 14.3%
Case Production: 397
Acid/pH: 0.64/3.41
Released: June 2007
Appellation: Santa Barbara County