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Sourced from a single vineyard planted with some of the oldest vines on California’s Central Coast, the elegant 94 pt. 2022 Cambria Pinot Noir Julia’s Vineyard is a stunning California Pinot at an equally stunning value offering bright aromatic fruit hinting of earthy spice with silky tannins and vibrant acidity, a beautifully crafted expression of Santa Maria Valley’s cool-climate terroir unbeatably priced to reach for often.
Located on the Santa Maria Valley Wine Trail 17 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean, Barbara Banke and her spouse, the late Jess Jackson, established Cambria in 1986 after purchasing what was originally called the Tepusquet Vineyards, known as a source of exceptional Pinot Noir grapes in the 1970’s for the region’s top wineries including Foxen and now run by second generation sisters Julia and Katherine. Named to honor the founders’ youngest daughter, Julia’s Vineyard is planted with a diverse array of Pinot Noir clones in sandy, alluvial soils of fossilized seashells, shale and limestone between 400 and 800 feet above sea level, its proximity to the Pacific Ocean moderating temperatures and allowing for extended hangtime. After fermenting the single vineyard estate fruit in 100% stainless steel, winemaker Jill Russell aged the flagship 2022 Cambria Julia’s Vineyard in 22% new French oak for 8 ½ months, yielding a classically styled Pinot Noir with bright red fruit flavors and seamless, balanced tannins, the single vineyard cuvee described as “a beautifully textured, medium-bodied, elegant Pinot Noir” by Jeb Dunnuck.
Named an “Editor’s Choice” by the Wine Enthusiast who declared it “the best Pinot at this price on the market,” the enticing 94 pt. 2022 Cambria Pinot Noir Julia’s Vineyard is a sure bet for California Pinot fans seeking outstanding value, an overachiever among some of the most esteemed wine producers of Santa Barbara County that's bargain priced for stocking up. |