Few forces shape Santa Barbara County winegrowing more profoundly than the Pacific Ocean. The region’s east-west mountain ranges create a natural corridor for cool marine air and fog to travel deep into the valleys, and few vineyards capture this influence as distinctly as La Encantada. Originally planted by pioneering vintner Richard Sanford in the Sta. Rita Hills, La Encantada combines a cool maritime climate with distinctive diatomaceous soils formed from ancient marine deposits. The result is a Pinot Noir marked by dark fruit, pronounced minerality, and vibrant acidity, with the structure and balance to evolve gracefully with age. It is an exciting addition to Au Bon Climat’s collection of single-vineyard wines.
Wine will be available Spring 2027.
“Checking in as 100% Pinot Noir from La Encantada Vineyard, vinified with 20% whole clusters and aged 18 months in 50% new French oak, the 2024 Pinot Noir La Encantada Vineyard comes from a terrific site on the southern side of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation, not far from Sanford and Benedict. Those classic Sta. Rita Hills gamey red and black fruits, leafy herbs, spice, and underbrush nuances dominate the nose, and it’s seamless on the palate, with medium body, a pure, focused, elegant mouthfeel, polished tannins, and a great finish. It shows more floral and exotic nuances with time in the glass and is just a beautiful, complex, elegant Pinot Noir that has so much to love. Drink bottles over the coming 15 years. Drink 2026-2041.” 96pts
– Jeb Dunnuck
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