96pts Decanter

Welcome to Cherrytown — dark cherry, cherry pit, cherry wood spice, and candied cherry dusted with cinnamon, infused with clove, and laced with candied rose petals. Toasted cedarwood adds depth to the medium-bodied palate, which is framed by velvety tannins and a long, stony, mineral finish. This Pinot is remarkably consistent with the 2022 vintage I reviewed, showcasing Dave Phinney’s characteristically opulent style. It delivers both the hedonism of Phinney’s hallmark ripeness and the freshness that defines the region’s naturally high acidity. Our Lady of Guadalupe Vineyard (OLG) was acquired in 2015; after two years of composting, vines were planted in 2018, with additional phases following. Nearly half of the expansive estate is now under vine, planted across varying slopes and aspects. Phinney’s team includes Amy Whiteford, director of viticulture, Chris Hussey, assistant winemaker, and Mike Testa, vineyard manager.

95pts Wine Enthusiast - Editor's Choice

This is a bold yet intriguing complex bottling from a vineyard on the western edge of this cool appellation. Aromas of juicy cherry, pepper and rose petal balm make for an exciting nose. Firm tannins grip the palate, where enticing wild strawberry, eucalyptus leaf and peppercorn flavors manage to stay light on their feet.

95pts Jeb Dunnuck

Aged 10 months in 45% new French oak, the 2023 Pinot Noir Our Lady Of Guadalupe Vineyard shows classic raspberries, ripe red cherries, forest floor, and floral nuances. This beauty is medium to full-bodied, has a pure, seamless mouthfeel, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. This plush, sexy, yet seamless and flawlessly balanced effort is well worth seeking out and should have a solid 7-8 years, if not more, of prime drinking. Drink 2025-2033.

95pts Vinous

The 2023 Pinot Noir Our Lady of Guadalupe Vineyard has a very focused presence and speaks clearly of place. Black tea, incense, black cherry, crushed rocks and cola tones build in layers of plush yet measured fruit. Deep mineral tension emerges from the thick grape skins that develop in this marginal, wind-battered site. The 2023 is a broad-shouldered, concentrated, structural wine that expands in every dimension across the palate, wrapping up with a classically built, upright finish. Iodine and marine notes surface on the close. Aging was ten months in 45% new French oak.

Winery Notes

In 2015, Dave Phinney set his eyes on a n extreme property just outside the Central Coast town of Lompoc. The abandoned row crop farm was on the western edge of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, known for its sandy , silica - ric h , diatomaceous earth soils and cool , windy climate that produce Pinot Noir and Chardonnay unlike anywhere. After years of hard work planting Our Lady of Guadalupe , Dave and his team decided to start a new brand focused exclusively on producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the vineyard , so much so that the vineyar d and wine is known as ‘ OLG ’ . Simply put, this is the only project in the United States where Dave makes wine from a vineyard he owns. The 2021 vintage is the first of many.

Winemaker Notes

An endearing pour of a brooding crimson core with flashes of vermilion and neon pink as the glass swirls. Aromatics spill in double time with notes of muddled strawberry, “Pinot crunch”, cranberry, pomegranate, orange peel, and the coastal hills of lavender and sagebrush surrounding our vineyard. Without missing a beat, the palate flaunts rich and concentrated flavors of black cherry, ripe strawberry, fennel and a kiss of Maldon salt, kept in check by the layers of acid that dominate wines from the region. A multitude of sensations culminates with mild tannins and an energized finish that seems to perpetually exist.