Presqu'ile Winery 2023 Estate Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley

The Wine

This cool-climate Pinot Noir offers enticing aromas of red berries, orange zest, and roses, with a long, graceful, mineral-driven finish.

Pro Tip: The winery is a French term meaning "almost an island" and is pronounced pressk-keel (pressk as in 'desk' and keel as in the keel of a boat). It is a poetic nod to the winery’s coastal location and the Murphy family’s Louisiana heritage.

Crafted entirely from estate-grown fruit, this wine reflects the unique terroir of Presqu’ile Vineyard, located just 16 miles from the Pacific Ocean.

Fermentation was carried out in 100% stainless steel, followed by 11 months of aging in French oak barrels, with only 10% new oak used to allow the fruit expression to take the lead role. The wine is a mosaic of clones - Mt. Eden, 777, 667, 115, Swan, and Pommard - each adding nuance to the final blend.

13.2% ABV, with a fairly gentle pH of 3.77 and total acidity of 5.8 g/L, making it both food-friendly and cellar-worthy. I love this wine now and can't wait to taste it in another 5-7 years!

Pairings: Miso-glazed black cod, Grilled salmon, mushroom tart with goat cheese and thyme, and cheeses such as Truffle Tremor, Taleggio and Comte. 

The Winery

Presqu’ile Winery is a family-owned estate in Santa Maria Valley, founded by the Murphy family to honor their ancestral home lost to Hurricane Katrina. The name “Presqu’ile” means “almost an island” in French. The winery farms over 100 acres sustainably and is SIP Certified (Sustainability in Practice), with organic methods used throughout the vineyard. Winemaker Dieter Cronje leads the cellar with a minimalist approach, supported by consultant Jeremy Seysses of Domaine Dujac in Burgundy.

Presqu’ile specializes in cool-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah, partnering with like-minded growers across Santa Barbara County to highlight the region’s best sites. Their estate Pinot Noir is a benchmark for the Santa Maria Valley, offering balance, complexity, and the signature “Santa Maria spice.”