Mission Codename Well Born
Both proprietor and winemaker have worked with some of the greats - in the wine trade and in the music business! Read on to learn all about today’s wine, and the talented men behind it.
Bien Nacido means “well born” in Spanish and comes with a truly celebrated history dating back to the early 1800s. Only a few families of ownership change, yet multiple generations later, this prominent vineyard remains one of the most reputable sources when seeking Pinot Noir excellence in California. Not only does this outright delicious Pinot Noir exemplify the highly prized vineyard’s quality, but being from the well-cellared 2014 harvest also adds to its appeal.
An attractive translucent garnet core fades to a wide, brick rim. Cherry, licorice, dried mushrooms, scorched earth, vanilla, and violets dominate the developing nose showing just the right touch of age. Lush and elegant on the palate, with strawberry jam, black plum, blueberry, boysenberry, and tobacco. The long echoing finish is with exotic, savory spices, charcuterie, and dark chocolate notes. The perfect pairing for this would be staying local, with the traditional BBQ of the Santa Maria Valley where Bien Nacido resides, a pepper and garlic dry-rubbed, wood-grilled tri-tip.
Proprietor Elliott Dolin found early fame in the music business, where he played bass for the likes of Donna Fargo, Ray Price, Brenda Lee and as a studio musician for greats like Johnny Cash, John Prine and Don Everly. He later became a real estate investor. It was during this period that he became enamored with wine - and he set about to learn all that he could about the wines for the world. His passion became a business when he founded his namesake winery in 2006. His drive for mastery and excellence is very apparent in today’s delicious selection.
Winemaker,** Kirby Anderson, has worked at some of the best wineries in California, including **Buena Vista Winery in California’s Lake County, Bernardus Winery in Monterey County, and La Crema in the Russian River Valley, where he worked alongside wine icon, Dan Goldfield. Just prior to joining Dolin, Kirby made wine at Gainey Vineyard in Santa Ynez. This range of experience prepared him for the challenges of making wine in Malibu - where, as evidenced by today’s delicious, elegant wine, he makes magic.
Savor this delicious Pinot Noir with a traditional Santa Maria BBQ feast.
What the Winery Says
2014 Bien Nacido Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
- Winemaker
- Kirby Anderson
- Varietal
- Pinot Noir
- Vintage
- 2014
- Appellation
- Santa Maria Valley, CA
- Abv
- 14.5%
- pH
- 3.63
- TA
- .63g/100ml
- Production Quantity
- 9 barrels
- Bottling Date
- June 10, 2016
- Harvest Date
- September 4, 2014