95 Points - Wine Enthusiast
2016 Migration Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard
Sold Out
Migration is dedicated to crafting wines from the finest cool-climate winegrowing regions highlighting lush fruit, bright acidity and impeccably balanced oak. Established in 1973, Bien Nacido has earned a reputation as one of California’s premier vineyards. Planted in the low-vigor soils of the Santa Maria Valley, the vines face the full force of the wind and fog off the Pacific. The result is a Pinot Noir that balances richness and elegance, with blackberry and ripe strawberry flavors underscored by enlivening acidity and notes of green tea and spice.
Wine Enthusiast
95
Wine Profile
Production Notes
Varietal Content: 100% Pinot Noir; Cooperage: 100% French oak, 40% New Oak, and 60% Neutral
Winemaker Notes
Offering silky tannins, a lush texture and abundant fruit, this beautiful wine shows what can be achieved in a grand cru-caliber vineyard in a great vintage. On the nose, layers of blackberry and black cherry rise from the glass, where they mingle with hints of toasty oak sweetness. The palate is rich and supple, with voluminous dark berry flavors lasting to the end of a long, juicy finish.
Production
The California drought continued with winter temperatures ranging from 5 to 10 degrees warmer than average, which resulted in rapid vine growth. Come spring, the temperature fell, and a coastal fog layer arrived like clockwork every morning, in the Santa Maria Valley. While a cool May produced a smaller fruit set than average, a mildly warm summer and slightly cool August allowed for ideal hangtime, yielding small and concentrated berries with delicious varietal character.
Other Notes
Released: March 2018
Wine Specs
Wine Specs
Vintage
2016
Varietal
Pinot Noir
Appellation
Santa Maria Valley
Vineyard Designation
Bien Nacido Vineyard
Harvest Date
September 5, 2016
Sugar
24.5° Brix at harvest
Acid
0.57g/100 ml titratable acidity
pH
3.60
Aging
10 Months in Barrel
Alcohol %
13.90
Wine Enthusiast
95
