Presqu'ile Winery Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County

A wine born from patience, coastal air, and an extraordinary vintage, the 2023 Presqu'ile Winery Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara County, USA, captures the magic of a slow-growing season and a winemaker’s minimalist hand. It’s not just a Pinot Noir, it’s a reflection of time bending to the land, revealing a wine that feels both familiar and revelatory, bridging old-world restraint with California vitality.

Product Details:

• Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
• Vineyards: 40% North Canyon, 40% Kick On, 12% Full Circle, 8% Presqu’ile Vineyard
• Soils: Sandy Loam, Garey Series, Sand
• Farming Practices: Sustainable
• Harvest Dates: September 16 to October 5, 2023
• Fermentation: Native yeast
• Aging: 11 months in French oak (15% new), followed by 6 months in stainless steel
• ABV: 13.5%
• TA: 5.8 g/L
• pH: 3.72
• Winemaker: Dieter Cronje
• Assistant Winemaker: Mike Chase
• Owner: Matt Murphy

Sensory Description:

Light in color yet layered in character, this Pinot Noir opens with lifted aromatics of Bing cherry, rose hips, dried orange rind, and sandalwood. On the palate, it is bright and earthy, delivering a seamless balance between red fruit vibrancy and savory depth. The long growing season of 2023 has imbued the wine with exceptional freshness and concentration, offering a nod to old-world restraint with a distinct Santa Barbara edge.

Winemaker's Background:

Presqu’ile Winery is a family-owned estate located in the Santa Maria Valley, committed to crafting cool-climate wines that speak authentically of place. Since establishing their 200-acre estate in 2007, the Murphy family has focused on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah, produced from both estate and select vineyard sites across Santa Barbara County. Presqu’ile’s minimalist winemaking philosophy emphasizes purity, terroir, and drinkability, guided by winemaker Dieter Cronje and consultant Jeremy Seysses of Domaine Dujac. With deep roots in agriculture and a strong commitment to sustainability, Presqu’ile has become a leading voice in California’s coastal wine community.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this Pinot Noir at 55–60°F. Ideal pairings include duck confit with black cherries and rosemary, roasted chicken, veggie burgers, or game meats. The wine’s balance of fruit and acidity also makes it versatile with a wide range of Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

This 2023 Presqu'ile Winery Pinot Noir captures the charm of Santa Barbara County with striking clarity and poise, proof that some of the most memorable wines come from patience, precision, and place.