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2016 Clendenen Family Vineyards Rancho La Cuna Pinot Noir

Not Currently In Auction

Latest Sale Price

June 4, 2023 - $31

Estimate

RATINGS

96Wine Enthusiast

Fantastically complex aromas of kirsch, turned soil, sage oil, potpourri, tobacco and dried meat carry the nose of this bottling. The palate offers herbal tones of thyme, peppercorn and juniper, as well as dried cherry and tea-leaf flavors.

93Vinous / IWC

Ripe black cherry, plum, spice, licorice, cedar and new leather are some of the many notes...creamy and ample in feel, with tons of richness and impeccable overall balance.

92The Wine Advocate

...nose of blackberries with earthy notions of mossy bark, mushroom, underbrush and laurel. The palate is light to medium-bodied with crunchy fruits, a gently chalky and super fresh texture, and it finishes long.

91Wine Spectator

Suave, with cedary and sandalwood accents to the dried cherry, berry and currant flavors. Firm tannins linger on the finish, offering hints of dried juniper berry.

91+ Jeb Dunnuck

...spicy notes of mulled red fruits, rose petals, salty minerality, and a kiss of background oak...elegant, medium to full-bodied effort...good overall mid-palate depth, and a great finish.

REGION

United States, California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County

Santa Barbara County is not an AVA, but a region just south of San Luis Obispo that includes the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Maria Valley appellations. Wine has been produced in the area since the 18th century when Spanish missionaries planted vineyards. It wasn’t until the 1990s, however, that producers focused on growing premier grapes for fine wines. During the 1990s more than 10,000 acres of vineyards were planted, and today there are nearly 20,000 acres of vineyards. The region received a big bump in recognition and prestige when the popular film “Sideways” was shot there in 2004. Because the region is affected by maritime weather, it is relatively cool climate makes it ideal for Chardonnay. Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and an increasingly adventuresome number of varietals are also grown successfully in Santa Barbara County.

TYPE

Red Wine, Pinot Noir

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.