Our Lady of Guadalupe Pinot Noir 2022

Our Lady of Guadalupe Pinot Noir 2022, crafted by the skilled hands at Guadalupe Winery under the guidance of winemaker Dave Phinney, stands as a testament to the winery’s dedication to quality and the unique terroir of Santa Barbara, California. This exceptional wine showcases the rich tapestry of flavors that can only be found in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, making it a must-try for enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.

The 2022 Our Lady of Guadalupe Pinot Noir captivates from the first pour, revealing a dark persimmon core encircled by a lucid rose hip rim, inviting one into its complex world. The nose is immediately greeted with a bouquet of bright raspberry and bing cherry, intertwined with the distinct Pinot funk. This evolves into deeper layers of black cherry, mocha, and mahogany, offering an aromatic experience that beckons for a taste. On the palate, the wine is incredibly approachable, with a soft entry that bursts into flavors of cranberry, ripe strawberry, redcurrant, and a hint of maritozzo bread. The finish is a masterpiece of Sta. Rita Hills, marked by minerality and subtle saline touches, with fennel and anise providing a refreshing closing note.

Crafted from 100% Pinot Noir, the Our Lady of Guadalupe Pinot Noir 2022 benefits from a diverse clonal selection, including 828, 777, Pommard 4, 667, 459, 115, Swan, and Calera, each contributing to the wine’s multifaceted character. The meticulous aging process in French Oak barrels for 10 months, with 49% new oak from renowned cooperages, imparts a balanced structure and complexity that elevates the wine to new heights.

Dave Phinney wines are celebrated for their expressive and opulent style, and the Our Lady of Guadalupe wine is no exception. It carries the hallmark of Phinney’s winemaking philosophy with a savoury profile that beautifully complements the bright fruit flavors. Critics have lauded the wine, with Jonathan Cristaldi of DECANTER awarding it 96 points and placing it among his top Californian wines of 2023. Cristaldi’s acclaim highlights the wine’s alluring candied cherry and cedarwood aromas, silky textured fruit, and a finish that leaves a lasting impression of cocoa nib and fresh garrigue.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Santa Barbara CA vineyard, acquired in 2015 and meticulously developed, is the soul of this exquisite wine. The dedication of Phinney and his team, including Amy Whiteford, Chris Hussey, and Mike Testa, to nurturing the vineyard and embracing the region’s terroir, shines through in every sip. As the vines mature, Our Lady of Guadalupe is poised to continue its trajectory as one of the most exciting and revered wines on the market.

In the heart of Santa Barbara’s picturesque landscape, the Our Lady of Guadalupe Pinot Noir 2022 emerges as a testament to the meticulous care and vision of winemaker Dave Phinney. Nestled among the vineyards in Valle de Guadalupe, this wine captures the essence of its cherished location, from the sorella stone and sandy soils of the Rita Hills AVA to the vibrant rose hills that surround the vineyard. Crafted on what was once an abandoned row crop farm on the western edge of the Sta. Rita Hills, this extreme property just outside the central coast town of Lompoc has been transformed since 2015 Dave Phinney set his sights on it, reflecting a deep connection to the land and its potential for producing exceptional wine.

For those eager to explore the nuanced flavors of this exquisite Pinot Noir, a visit to the tasting room offers an intimate glimpse into Phinney’s winemaking philosophy. Each glass invites a journey from Santa Barbara to San Diego and even Baja California, echoing the diversity of landscapes that contribute to its complexity. While Sauvignon Blanc and Our Lady of Guadalupe Rose Hills wines also grace the tasting menus, it’s the Our Lady of Guadalupe Pinot Noir 2022 that stands as a beacon of Phinney’s dedication to quality, a cherished offering that requires shipping, true taxable, and is eagerly awaited by enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.

In summary, the Our Lady of Guadalupe Pinot Noir 2022 is a testament to the craftsmanship of Guadalupe Winery and the vision of Dave Phinney. It is a wine that embodies the essence of its Santa Barbara roots, offering a complex, nuanced, and utterly delightful experience that will enchant from the first sip to the last.