From the highest nine-acre block of Goodchild Vineyard in the cool-climate Santa Maria Valley, a region celebrated for slow-ripening, expressive Burgundian varietals, the 2021 “High 9” is richer and more fruit-forward while retaining poise and structure.
The nose opens with inviting layers of black cherry, ripe raspberry, and wild strawberry, accented by hints of rose petal and a touch of savory earth that echo the cool Pacific influence characteristic of this appellation. Aged sur lees in French oak, the wine shows a plush, expansive mid-palate with dark red fruit and plum framed by fine-grained tannins and coastal minerality.
Vibrant acidity carries through a long, elegant finish, balancing richness with finesse. This limited bottling beautifully reflects both the depth of Clone 667 and the distinctive character of its Santa Maria Valley terroir, a stretch of coastline renowned for producing Pinot Noir with both concentration and clarity.
