Review: 2020 Presqu’ile Pinot Noir and Chardonnay Presqu’ile Vineyard
Presqu’ile is as hard to pronounce (press-keel) as it is to type, but the wines made here certainly aren’t hard to drink. With a focus on pinot noir and chardonnay — and a smattering of other varietals — the wines produced in this Santa Maria Valley operation are iconically styled.
2020 Presqu’ile Pinot Noir Presqu’ile Vineyard – This SoCal pinot noir balances earthy note with rich fruit elements, both red and black berry notes culminating in an enveloping experience that evokes cherry cola, tea leaf, and some savory bay leaf on the finish. Propped up with notes of baking spices and rhubarb, the wine has a little something for everyone — never too sweet, never too savory, never too spicy. Food-friendly but wholly approachable on its own at a mere 13.5% abv, the hints of cocoa powder on the finish only add to its mystique. A- / $60
2020 Presqu’ile Chardonnay Presqu’ile Vineyard – Classically structured chardonnay, heavy on the vanilla, with a secondary focus on lemon curd. Traditional chardonnay elements wind their way toward notes of mint, with a gentle spice element following. Notes of mandarin orange and caramel give the finish a slight dessert quality, but the restrained sweetness allows the wine to pair beautifully with food. A- / $48
2020 Presqu'ile Pinot Noir Presqu'ile Vineyard
$60
