Very pleased to be trying four new-to-me wines from the Santa Maria Valley and Santa Ynez: a Blanc de Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon all with the same winemaker and farmer though different vineyards. When I received the samples I also asked the owner who happens to be the farmer, James Ontiveros, for a few words about his wines. Below is his quote and below that is my review of each wine:
“My focus is taking a slower, focused approach on wines, by controlling the farming of these single vineyards I have developed. Specifically, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and recent addition of 2018 Blanc de Noir. Our vineyards are situated in a truly unique terroir – marked by cool coastal influences, long growing seasons, and where the target is to produce a fresher, savory style rather than larger and more ripe. Unrushed, focused, balanced and restrained. Each bottling has been highly reviewed over my 20 plus years and rated over 90 points…” James Ontiveros, Owner, Ranchos de Ontiveros.
Wines
2018 Rancho Vinedo Blanc de Noirs, Santa Maria Valley, $76
Farmed by James Ontiveros, winemaking by Justin Willett, 12.5% alcohol.
Greeted by lots of bubbles racing to the edge of my wine glass, and the colors range from a very sparkly light gold to a tiny hue of pink. On the nose I detected applesauce, cantaloupe melon, golden raisin, white peach, and fresh brioche bread with orange marmalade. Going in for a taste I was welcomed with a lively mouthfeel with lots of apple, freshly made fruit cocktail, lime, lemon, and lingering citrusy notes. Tasty and interesting.
2020 Rancho Vinedo “Dona Martina” Chardonnay, Santa Maria Valley, $54
Farmed by James Ontiveros, winemaking by Justin Willett, 13.2% alcohol
The wine was clear, light gold in color with a citrine edge. There were a lot of fruit aromas including citrus, tropical and stone fruits, as well as lemongrass. The citrus carried through to the taste, and also got some pineapple too. The wine had a low acid but a nice zingy quality. We tasted the wine prior to dinner, and when we returned to it we noted that the flavors became lighter.
2020 Native 9 Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, $76
Farmed by James Ontiveros, winemaking by Justin Willett, 13.5% alcohol.
The Pinot Noir was a dark garnet in color with a slight brown edge, followed by notes of black cherry, crushed blueberry, mocha, sweet pipe smoke, toasted oak, forest floor, mint and a hint of pencil shavings all on the nose. On the mouth I was reminded of blackberry jam, blue to black fruits, lightly spiced, incredibly balanced and tannins that allowed for a long mellow finish. Truth be told I’m not a big Pinot fan as I usually note mostly just red fruit and stems, but this Pinot had many enjoyable layers for me.
2019 Canada de los Pinos Cabernet Sauvignon, Riata Oaks Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley, $76
Farmed by James Ontiveros, winemaking by Justin Willett, 14.5% alcohol.
This Cabernet Sauvignon was a deep purple with a ruby edge, and completely opaque. Aromas of blackberry, chocolate covered dark cherries, a mild amount of spice, tree bark with a little peat, and crushed dry leaves filled the nose, while the taste was very balanced with dark fruit, spice, and medium tannins for a very long finish and mouthfeel. We enjoyed this wine immensely with a Costco Wagyu steak – the tannins were perfect to counter the fat in the meat.
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Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), a “certification in the first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), Level 1 Sake Award from WSET, was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video (over 16k views), authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Proof Awards, Cellarmasters, LA Wine Competition, Long Beach Grand Cru and the Global Wine Awards. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits. Follow on Instagram and Facebook.
