Alta Maria Pinot Noir
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Alta Maria sources high quality Pinot Noir grapes from three iconic vineyards; Nielson, Costa de Oro, and Rancho Ontiveros Vineyards.
- James Ontiveros and his team oversee every aspect of the winemaking process.
- Sustainable Farming is used.
- The vines are a mix of older and newer plantings and clones.
- An absolute gem of subtlety and class, reminding us of what elegant Pinot Noir can provide!
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Elaboration: The wines were fermented in small batches, of which about 15% was whole cluster fermented, then pressed, racked, and aged 8 months in French oak.
Tasting Notes: Unmistakably varietally, correct and on point. Beautifully balanced by freshness, bright, acidity, savory floral, notes of bougainvillea and rose petals, cinnamon stick, five spice. Secondary fruit, offers, rhubarb, sour cherry, along with anise seed and sassafras. Wet cobblestone and dolomitic limestone show the providence of location in minerality. Light and balanced, but showing on the entry and mid pallet with a tremendous lingering finish that goes on and on.
PRESS
n/a
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Alta Maria Vineyards was established in 2005 by James Ontiveros who also owns Ranchos de Ontiveros, featuring estate-sourced, single-site, single-vineyard wine. His Native9 Pinot Noir represents the ninth generation of the Ontiveros family in California, going back to a 1781 land grant within the pueblo of Los Angeles. The family’s roots trace back to La Rioja in Old Spain in the 1500s.
Eventually, James’ fifth great-grandfather, Don Juan Pacifico Ontiveros, and his wife, Doña Martina, moved their extensive farming operation north to Santa Barbara County in search of water and more land. They settled in what would become the town of Santa Maria.
While James’ estate wines are crafted with an old-world approach, Alta Maria wines celebrate the fruit of the appellation. They are light, fresh, and savory. The name Alta means high or elevated and exudes a refined aura that, like fine wine, will age well. The name Maria is an homage to the ancestors of James Ontiveros who left a legacy of love for the lush Santa Maria River valley.