REVEL WINE® Native 9 Rancho Ontiveros Vineyard Pinot 2012 (Santa Maria Valley, California) – [WA 91] – 6045752754335

Notes from the Winemaker:
In its youth, the wine from this vintage appears to be highly aromatic and nuanced with added structure for long term aging of 10 years or more. The delicate, old world nature of Pinot Noir shines through with classic character as if it were a wine from the Southern AOCs of Burgundy.

About the Rancho Ontiveros Vineyard:
The Rancho Ontiveros Vineyard is located within the Santa Maria Valley AVA high on a ridge overlooking the surrounding farmland. There’s an oil pumping rig at the very edge of the vineyard that I believe just may add to the terroir.

Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir is among the best in the world. The Santa Maria Valley AVA has unusual east-west mountain valleys that run east from the Pacific Ocean, allowing an interesting meteorological ebb and flow between the mountains and the cooler ocean. Every summer morning, a heavy Pacific fog moves eastward through the valleys, keeping morning temperatures in the 50s to 60s. By mid-morning, the sun begins burn through the fog that hangs around the mountains, warming the valleys to 70s and 80s.

By early afternoon, coastal breezes move inward, lowering temperatures again. These factors lengthen the Pinot Noir growing season, allowing for a longer hang time. The result of the marine climate and longer hang time helps develop more complex flavors while maintaining crisp acidity, all part of the unique terroir of this region.

Ratings & Reviews

91 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate:
“A late release effort that spent 21 months in 20% new French oak, the 2012 Pinot Noir Ranch Ontiveros gives up lots of earthy, spice notes to go with currants, cherries, underbrush and forest-floor aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, balanced and layered, it’s a serious Pinot Noir that has a lot to like. Fermented with 100% whole clusters and from a mix of different clones, enjoy this beauty anytime over the coming 7-8 years.” – Jeb Dunnuck (27th Aug 2015)