100% Pinot Noir from the Santa Rita Hills Appellation in Santa Barbara County. The fruit was destemmed and fermented with native yeasts before maturing in neutral French barrels (228L). Bottled without fining or filtration.
Pence Vineyards & Winery is part of a 220-acre working ranch located in Sta. Rita Hills (a sub-AVA of Santa Barbara) owned by Blair Pence. Blair, a Burgundy lover, began planting the vineyard in 2004, and after researching the various soils on his property divided it into 20 different blocks.
The vineyard is located on the eastern edge of Sta. Rita Hills, near the coast and at a relatively higher elevation (450 feet). Cool ocean air is constantly flowing though the site keeping it at a lower temperature than the surrounding areas.
The soils in the lowlands of Sta. Rita Hills are known for being marine sedimentary and sandy, but due to the elevation, Pence has clay and limestone which, combined with the coolness of the site, makes it a suitable location for cooler climate grapes like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gamay and even Syrah. The vines are farmed 100% organically and there are olive and almond trees planted around the property.
Respected vintner Sashi Moorman makes the wines and they reflect his penchant for producing elegant and balanced wines. Restrained but never austere these wines showcase his exemplary handling of Burgundian grapes to express the singular terroirs of California.
Join Our Mailing List
