In Santa Barbara the Pacific Writes the Recipe
The story of Presqu'ile Winery is inseparable from the cold, restless presence of the Pacific Ocean. From the winery’s vantage point in Santa Barbara County,you can quite literally see the source of what makes these wines so poised. The ocean sends daily waves of fog and relentless afternoon winds sweeping through the vineyards, slowing everything down. Ripening is never rushed here.
This extended growing season is the quiet secret behind both the 2023 Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The grapes enjoy remarkable hangtime, developing full phenolic ripeness while holding onto the vibrant natural acidity that only true cool-climate sites can preserve. The result is balance in its purest form: wines with depth and complexity, yet moderate alcohol levels and unmistakable freshness.
The Pinot Noir captures everything we hope for from coastal California. Aromas of wild strawberry, crushed raspberry, and rose petal lead into a palate that is silky but energetic, framed by subtle earth and spice. There is richness, certainly, but it never feels heavy.
The Chardonnay is equally delicious, offering citrus blossom, green apple, and a touch of sea-spray minerality. The texture is generous without excess, carried by bright acidity that keeps each sip refreshing and alive. It is a Chardonnay defined by tension and clarity.
Both wines are a testament to the advantage of patience in the vineyard and the profound influence of the Pacific. They deliver the rare combination of California generosity and coastal restraint; wines that satisfy now, yet never tire the palate.
These are versatile, complete wines that belong on the table as much as in the glass, and they represent some of the finest expressions of Santa Barbara’s singular climate.
93 Points, Decanter
The Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir is aged 11 months in neutral French oak and stainless steel before being bottled in the spring following harvest. Grapes are sourced from Santa Maria, the estate vineyards, and select sites in Los Alamos. This wine is notable for its soaring spice character, offering intriguing notes of Chinese five spice, sandalwood, and a minty freshness that lends it an air of elegance. Medium-bodied, it features crunchy cherry fruit and vibrant blood orange acidity, with its fragrant profile seamlessly filling the mid-palate. The finish is long and layered with wet slate and clove nuances.
92 Points, Decanter
The Santa Barbara County Chardonnay is aged up to seven months in stainless steel with a portion in neutral barrels. This wine is exceptionally bright and lifted, offering fresh and clean aromas of lime zest, apple, and white peach. The palate is medium-bodied with fleshy apple, pear, and white peach flavours, complemented by a creamy mid-palate texture. Soaring acidity provides excellent tension, leading to a refined mineral finish. The grapes are sourced from sites around Los Alamos and the estate vineyards. Presqu'ile Winery, founded in 2008 by the Murphy family, has benefitted from the steady guidance of winemaker Dieter Cronje since its inception.