Product Overview
Winery's Notes
"The name "Submarine Canyon" is a geographical reference to the deep underwater sea canyon located in the Monterey Bay. This deep sea canyon is the deepest sea canyon along the west coast and measures over a mile in depth. The marine influence from this cold underwater submarine canyon provides the ideal climate for growing premium Pinot Noir grapes.
The fruit for this Pinot Noir was harvested from several vineyards surrounding our winery in the Arroyo Seco AVA. This AVA is recognized as having the longest growing season in California. Strong daily winds that bring cool fog from the Monterey Bay allow the grapes to spend more time on the vine building flavor, complexity and acidity. Extremely rocky well-drained alluvial soils are the base for creating wines processing freshness & minerality. The
combination of sand, granite, and shale loam soils with the ever present marine influence provide the ideal conditions for growing Pinot Noir.
Aroma: Plum stone, strawberry fields, wet garden bed, fresh ocean mist
Palate: Sun-soaked raspberry, pomegranate, cherry pit, hibiscus, kelp forest"
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Appellation: Arroyo Seco AVA
Vineyards: Mission Ranch, Ventana, Gudotti
Farming Practices: Sustainable
Aging: 7 months on lees in neutral French oak barrels
Winemaker/Owner: Russell Joyce
93 Points, "Editors' Choice" - Wine Enthusiast
"If preserving freshness is the game, then this wine is a winner. The nose pops with sharp aromas of raspberry, clipped thyme and wet slate. The palate follows suit with snappy, tart flavors of cranberry and raspberry that are dusted in pinches of white pepper dust and sprinkled sage." -MK, 4/1/25
89 Points - Wine Advocate
"Fermented with 20% whole clusters, the 2023 Pinot Noir Submarine Canyon opens with a charming bouquet of cranberry and dried cherries lifted by herbal, savory accents. The palate is straightforward in texture yet admirably precise, ending with a soft, simple finish. This is an impressively balanced effort for the price." -ML, 10/24/24
88 Points - Vinous
"The 2023 Pinot Noir (Arroyo Seco) is a little vegetal, even though it only includes 20% whole clusters. Cranberry, rose stem, grilled herbs and blood orange tones are out in the open, but it feels like the fruit here was picked too early. That said, this is still adequately balanced." -BN, Aug/2024
