We love the dark, effusive, dramatic style of the Pinot Noirs from the Sta Rita Hills appellation, the twin east-west running valleys that run from Solvang to Lompoc in Santa Barbara County.  The wines hailing from these cool, coastal rolling hills are singular, savory and delicious.  And expensive!  How Gainey still manages to put this wine into the bottle for under $30 is one of life’s great mysteries.  Could be the fact that Gaineys have been (organically) farming these hills for four generations and aren’t beholden to a large mortgage any more.  Whatever the reason, their wines are still incredibly reasonable given their quality and this 2021, coming from three of the family’s ranches in Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez, remains one of the most outstanding deals we ever see in top quality California Pinot Noir. Aged 10 months in French oak before bottling, it’s a beautifully earthy, briary Pinot with a palate of plush red silk and a finish of salty, coastal acidity.  Drink now for its abundant personality alongside all kinds of Pinot-friend dishes but I particularly love Sta Rita Hills Pinot Noir like this with duck!  We love the deal.

Wine Enthusiast:  This bottling always overdelivers, and this vintage is no exception. Aromas of black raspberry, cherry, licorice and dark spices are elegant and fresh on the nose. Powdery tannins frame the palate, where a broad mouthfeel carries flavors of ripe red fruit, cinnamon, mace and dried ginger.  94 points