Seabold Cellars Pinot Noir McIntyre Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands 2018
Pinot Noir | US
If you don’t know yet, it’s high time you learned– Santa Lucia Highlands is a superstar, proving time and again that it can produce some of California’s very best pinot noir! This newcomer, from Master Sommelier Chris Miller is a stellar expression of cool-climate coastal pinot noir from the revered McIntyre Vineyard! UNDER $20 for pinot noir of a quality like this is simply out of this world! My recommendation? Load up on this, and join me in delightful sipping all spring and summer long.
The McIntyre Estate Vineyard lies in the heart of the Santa Lucia Highlands, along a 12-mile stretch of benchland that basks in the cooling influences of the Pacific Ocean. Planted in 1973, this family-owned plot boasts some of the very oldest vines in the AVA, and a unique mix of clones – from Dijon 777 and 115 to Swan, and the McIntyre’s heritage “Old Vine” clone. The uniquely sandy loam soils actually contain some own-rooted pinot noir– an increasing rarity in California.
Seabold Cellars' entire portfolio focuses on cool-climate organic and sustainable vineyards to produce balanced wines that showcase the terroir of these unique sites – and not the winemaker that guides the fruits’ journey. Founded in 2014 by Master Sommelier Chris Miller, (otherwise known as Wine & Spirits Magazine’s Best New Sommelier in America) in the small town of Marina, a confluence between the vineyards of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz – this portfolio is all about minimally invasive winemaking… think old-school Burgundy as seen through the lens of California.
The wine boasts a delicate yet persistent bouquet of rose petals and violets, with accents of sea spray, and a core of crushed raspberries. In the mouth, woodsy spices and macerated strawberries reveal themselves, developing into a soft and silky finish with a final tang of cranberry and black tea. It’s harmoniously balanced and powerfully complex – simply exceptional and quality for California pinot noir. We’ll shout it from the rooftops one last time – for under $20…this is a steal!
About the Producer
In 2014, Seabold Cellars emerged under the guidance of Master Sommelier Chris Miller. Nestled in the charming town of Marina, this winery stands at the heart of California’s Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz wine regions.
Chris embarked on his culinary journey at the tender age of 12, delving into the world of food and wine within the walls of his mother's restaurant in New Orleans. What started as a simple involvement soon transformed into a life's mission after a transformative wine tasting experience in Washington. Following this revelation, Chris uprooted to Seattle, immersing himself completely in the realm of wine as a sommelier at Canlis Restaurant and participating in harvests in Walla Walla Valley.
His unwavering dedication garnered swift recognition, earning him the prestigious title of 'Best Young Sommelier in the World' and securing the accolade of 'Best New Sommelier in America' from Wine & Spirits Magazine. Wolfgang Puck personally selected Chris to reshape the wine program at Spago Beverly Hills, resulting in a Wine Spectator Grand Award. Chris's stellar work has been spotlighted in renowned publications such as Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, Forbes, Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Eater National.
After a remarkable 25-year journey in restaurants, the moment arrived for Chris to swap his suit and tie for the comfort of jeans and boots. Having devoted every available moment to laboring in vineyards and cellars in Sta. Rita Hills, Chris could no longer ignore the profound calling that beckoned him.
- WinemakerChris Miller
- CountryUS
- RegionCalifornia
- AppellationMonterey, Central Coast
- VineyardMcIntyre Vineyard
- Farming MethodOrganic and Sustainable
- Alcohol14.1%
