Our Lady of Guadalupe - OLG Pinot Noir 2023 750ml

Product Info

95+pts Vinous Media
A new bottling for this fledgling project, the 2023 Pinot Noir Reserve Our Lady of Guadalupe Vineyard is a barrel selection that aged for 16 months in 100% new French oak. Darker and more brooding in bearing than the regular bottling tasted alongside, the Reserve marches across the palate with impressive structural heft that needs to be absorbed into the fabric of the wine. That said, everything here is in very fine proportion, bolstered by concentrated flavors and aromas of pomegranate, blueberry, chalk, crushed rocks, exotic spices, iodine and India ink. This will take at least a few years in bottle to come around, but the fruit is weighty enough to absorb the oak in due course. I wouldn't dream of touching a bottle anytime soon. Drinking Window 2027 - 2035

Dave Phinney’s Our Lady of Guadalupe Vineyard may be the most marginal site in the entire Sta. Rita Hills, but it is beginning to turn out some of the most character-driven wines in the whole region. Together with Phinney, Vineyard Manager Amy Whiteford and Assistant Winemaker Christopher Hussey craft rich, deep interpretations of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The 2023 releases include the introduction of a new reserve Pinot Noir bottling, a barrel selection aged in 100% new oak for 16 months, but it’s the Chardonnay that has me truly excited. The potential here is off the charts -By Billy Norris on August 2025

Terroir
The Our Lady of Guadalupe Vineyard lies at the southern edge of California’s Sta. Rita Hills AVA, one of the coolest and most wind-driven Pinot Noir regions in the state. Positioned near the Pacific Ocean, the vineyard is directly exposed to maritime influence, with fog and persistent coastal winds shaping the growing season. These conditions dramatically slow ripening, preserve acidity, and promote thick-skinned berries that contribute both aromatic intensity and structural precision.

The soils are dominated by diatomaceous earth and marine sediment, remnants of ancient seabeds that lend a distinctive chalky minerality and saline edge to the wines. Low fertility soils naturally restrict vigor, resulting in small clusters and concentrated fruit. The 2023 vintage unfolded under cool, extended conditions, favoring elegance and aromatic clarity over sheer power—an ideal scenario for expressing the site’s singular character.

Winemaking & Technical Notes
Winemaking at OLG emphasizes restraint and transparency, allowing vineyard and vintage to guide the final expression. The fruit is harvested by hand at modest sugar levels to preserve freshness and natural balance. Fermentation is carried out with native yeasts, often incorporating a portion of whole clusters to enhance aromatic lift and textural complexity.

Extraction is gentle, favoring infusion rather than force, and the wine is aged in French oak barrels, predominantly neutral, to support integration without masking site expression. The élevage is designed to build harmony and depth while maintaining the wine’s energy and line. Minimal intervention throughout the process ensures that the resulting Pinot Noir remains a clear reflection of this windswept coastal vineyard.

Tasting Notes
The 2023 OLG Pinot Noir opens with an aromatic profile that is immediately lifted and expressive. Wild strawberry, red cherry, and cranberry lead the nose, followed by notes of rose petal, blood orange peel, and a subtle herbal note reminiscent of coastal sage. Underlying mineral tones—chalk dust and crushed seashell—add depth and a distinct sense of place.

On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, finely textured, and driven by vibrant acidity. Flavors of tart cherry, raspberry, and pomegranate unfold with precision, framed by fine-grained tannins that provide structure without weight. A saline, mineral thread runs through the mid-palate, giving the wine tension and length, while savory notes of tea leaf, dried herbs, and subtle spice emerge with air.

The finish is long, focused, and quietly persistent, lingering with red fruit, floral notes, and a cool, stony echo. This is a Pinot Noir that favors clarity and restraint, offering immediate charm while clearly built for graceful evolution.

Food Pairing & Service
OLG Pinot Noir 2023 is highly versatile at the table and pairs beautifully with dishes that emphasize freshness and savory nuance. It complements roast chicken with herbs, grilled salmon, and duck breast with fruit accents particularly well. Earth-driven dishes such as mushroom risotto, lentils, or roasted root vegetables echo the wine’s savory undertones, while soft cheeses and bloomy-rind styles highlight its texture.

Serve at 56–60°F (13–16°C) in a Burgundy-style glass to fully express its aromatics. A short decant of 20–30 minutes is beneficial when young. While approachable now, the wine has the structure and balance to evolve over the next 8–12 years, developing additional complexity while retaining its coastal freshness.