2021 Native 9 Pinot Noir Rancho Ontiveros Vineyard

Translucent ruby-hued, the 2021 Pinot Noir offers a beautiful bouquet of red fruits, framboise, redcurrants, rose petals, spring flowers, and spice. Medium-bodied and seamless on the palate, it has fine-grained tannins, flawless balance, and a gorgeous finish. Aged 18 months in 33% new French oak, this is best enjoyed over the coming 8-10 years. Drink 2025-2035. Native 9 is made by winemaker Justin Willett and focuses on single-vineyard wines from top sites in Santa Maria Valley and Santa Ynez Valley. The lineup includes Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Rancho Viñedo Doña Martina in Santa Maria Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon from Ranchos De Ontiveros Cañada De Los Pinos in Santa Ynez Valley. This estate was known for 100% whole cluster fermentation, but that's shifted under Willett, who has pulled back on stem inclusion. Tasting the 2019 and 2021 side by side shows this stylistic change, with stems much more apparent in the older vintage. All wines follow a consistent winemaking approach with 18 months aging in 33% new French oak. I was able to taste both current releases and library wines from 2019 and they're aging gracefully. The Pinot Noirs are the standouts here, with both vintages showing excellent quality despite the stylistic shift. These are classically styled wines that emphasize complexity and nuance over power.