Cienega Valley Pinot Noir 2023

Alcohol: 13%

Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir

Location: Cienega Valley, San Benito County, California, USA

Tasting Notes: Elegant and expressive with aromas of dried rose petal, hibiscus, and black raspberry. Flavors of seared strawberry, balsamic reduction, dusty earth, foraged mushrooms, and subtle leaf litter. Silky texture with balanced acidity and savory undertones.

Notes: Grapes hand-picked from Gimelli Vineyard (planted 1997) in limestone-rich soils. Fermented with native yeast in old redwood vats, aged in neutral oak, bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Food pairing: Roast duck, mushroom risotto, herb-crusted salmon, or soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert.

Winery Story: Stirm Wine Co. crafts this Pinot Noir with a minimalist approach to highlight terroir. The Cienega Valley is historically significant—limestone soils attracted pioneers like Josh Jensen of Calera. Gimelli Vineyard, where the grapes are sourced, sits in the heart of this valley, benefiting from warm days and cool nights that preserve freshness.