2020 Neilson Santa Barbara Pinot Noir

Variety: 100 % Pinot Noir

Region of Origin: Santa Barbara County, California

Tasting Notes

This wine is a vibrant expression of California's Central Coast, showcasing the region's cool-climate character and the winery's dedication to quality. The nose opens with notes of cranberry, pomegranate, and cherry, complemented by hints of tobacco leaf, vanilla, and cola spice. The palate is medium bodied with bright acidity. Flavours of juicy red cherry and raspberry are prominent, accompanied by subtle gamey and floral undertones. It has a silky texture, with a lingering finish that highlights its red fruit and spice elements.

Wine Making

The winemaker is Anna Clifford, who assumed the role in 2020 after joining Nielson in 2018. Her background includes experience in Central Otago, New Zealand which is a region renowned for its Pinot Noir. This has influenced her approach to winemaking in California's Central Coast. The grapes are carefully chosen from select vineyards across Santa Barbara County, emphasizing cool-climate sites that contribute to the wine's bright acidity and red fruit characteristics. They undergo gentle pressing to preserve delicate flavours, followed by fermentation designed to maintain the varietal's expressive profile. The wine is matured in used French oak barrels for 10 months. This aging process imparts subtle oak nuances without overpowering the fruit, enhancing the wine's complexity and depth.

The Vineyard

The Nielson Vineyard, situated in Santa Barbara County, California, holds historical significance as the region's first commercial vineyard, established in 1964 by Uriel J. Nielson. At the time, Santa Barbara was considered too cold for viticulture, but Nielson's pioneering efforts proved otherwise, laying the foundation for the area's now-thriving wine industry. Located approximately 18 miles east of the Pacific Ocean, the Nielson Vineyard benefits from a unique microclimate. It is among the first sites in the valley to experience the morning fog lifting, allowing early sun exposure. This climatic feature contributes to the development of muscular Pinot Noirs with dark fruit and floral notes, as well as Chardonnays known for their mineral, citrus, and orange blossom characteristics.