Tatomer 'Santa Barbara County' Pinot Noir 2022

Winemaking

Tatomer is known for a minimalist approach to winemaking—letting the fruit and vineyard character speak for themselves without heavy-handed intervention. The winery emphasizes natural fermentation and restrained oak aging, believing that elegance comes from balance rather than extraction. This philosophy yields wines that showcase Santa Barbara County's cool-climate potential with precision and finesse.

Tasting Notes

This Pinot Noir opens with vibrant red cherry and strawberry aromatics, underpinned by a whisper of earth that adds complexity without overwhelming. On the palate, the wine is silky and refined, with bright acidity that feels integral to its structure rather than austere. You'll find layers of red berry and cranberry with a subtle spice note, all supported by soft, resolved tannins that carry through to a clean, lingering finish.

Producer

Tatomer is a small, quality-focused producer in Santa Barbara County with a reputation for understated, food-friendly wines. The winery sources from carefully selected vineyard sites across the region, prioritizing growers who farm with minimal intervention and respect for the land.

Terroir

Santa Barbara County's Pinot Noir benefits from cool maritime influence funneling through the Santa Maria and Santa Ynez valleys, which moderate ripening and preserve acidity. The region's diverse soils—ranging from sandy loam to clay composites—and the significant diurnal temperature swings create wines of balance and complexity. This vintage, in particular, shows the vintage's elegance and the county's ability to produce refined, age-worthy expressions of the variety.

Food Pairings

This wine shines alongside pan-seared duck breast with cherry gastrique, where its silky texture and cranberry notes find a natural complement. Try it with roasted chicken with herbs and root vegetables for an everyday pairing that lets the wine's refinement shine without competition. It's also excellent with sautéed mushrooms and soft cheeses—think burrata with beets and walnuts.