2015 Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley

From one of the vineyard's highest-altitude and most exposed plantings, the 2015 Pinot Noir The Captain reveals a lifted bouquet of orange rind and spicy red fruit, subtly framed by classy new oak. On the palate, it's medium-bodied and tensile, more edgy in style than the wines from further down the slope, with a bright core of fruit and a tangy, mouthwatering finish. This will need some time to unwind, but it's a very distinctive expression of Bien Nacido. 172 cases were produced.

The 2015 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyards is another deep, dense Pinot endowed with striking depth. Floral and savory notes from the 30% whole clusters adds an attractive upper register, but there is no shortage of fruit intensity or overall depth. The creamy, textured finish is especially of note.