Byron Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley Sierra Madre Vineyard 2009

Winemaker Notes - The grapes were hand harvested and cold soaked prior to fermentation to enhance fruit character, color and body. During fermentation, a combination of punch-downs and pump-overs ensured maximum extraction. The wine was aged for eight months in small French oak barrels. The dominant themes are dark berries, cherries, rose petal, red plum, brown spice and smoke. This is a forward, approachable wine that displays the beautiful floral/mineral character typical of Santa Barbara Pinot Noir.

The 2011 vintage included a very warm and dry winter and spring. These conditions led to being fruitful with small clusters and small berries with flavors of dark berry, cherry, hints of floral and mineral. This is a forward approachable wine that displ

Byron has been producing stellar Pinot Noirs since the late 80’s from their Nielson Vineyard located in the eastern foothills of the Santa Maria Valley. Planted in 1964 this vineyard lies just south of the famous Bien Nacido Vineyard and has mature vines with carefully selected clones of Pinot Noir. The climate here is ideal for Pinot as the cooling ocean breezes flow up through the valley and temper the very warm natural conditions. This 2009 is their most popular wine and even though the appellation is Santa Maria Valley the grapes are all sourced from the single Nielson Vineyard.

This is a forward, lush, approachable wine. Dominated by dark berry, rose petal, plum and smoke, yet without losing the beautiful floral/mineral notes typical of Santa Barbara.