Region: Santa Cruz Mountains, California

Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir

Producer: Byington Vineyard & Winery has been a landmark in the Santa Cruz Mountains since the 1980s, when Bill and Mary Byington established their estate among the redwoods. The property sits on the western slopes of the mountains, overlooking Monterey Bay, where cool coastal breezes and fog create ideal conditions for Pinot Noir. Over the years, Byington has become known for producing wines that capture both the rugged character of the mountains and the elegance of Burgundian tradition, cementing its place as a classic estate of the region.

Vineyard & Winemaking: The estate vineyard lies at about 2,000 feet elevation, where rocky soils and dramatic diurnal shifts produce small, concentrated berries with natural acidity. The 2018 vintage benefited from a long, even growing season, allowing for extended hang time without overripeness. In the cellar, the wine was gently fermented and aged in French oak, with a restrained use of new barrels to frame the fruit while preserving freshness and minerality. The result is a balanced expression of mountain-grown Pinot Noir that highlights both structure and finesse.

Tasting Notes: In the glass, the 2018 Estate Pinot Noir opens with aromas of black cherry, raspberry, and rose petal, layered with hints of forest floor and baking spice. The palate is medium-bodied and silky, with bright red fruit flavors supported by fine tannins and a vibrant line of acidity. Notes of clove, cedar, and a touch of earth carry into a long, graceful finish. Drinking beautifully now, it also has the balance and backbone to evolve over the next five to seven years.