La Encantada 777 Pinot Noir
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Typically best enjoyed 3–10 years from the vintage release.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Roasted duck breast, wild mushroom risotto, herb-crusted salmon.
✨ wine.spec_sheet
The La Encantada Vineyard, whose name translates to 'The Enchanted,' is a legendary site in the cool-climate Sta. Rita Hills AVA of Santa Barbara County, originally planted by the pioneering vintner Richard Sanford. This vineyard is highly regarded for its unique terroir, characterized by nutrient-poor, diatomaceous soils and a direct exposure to the chilly marine winds and fog sweeping in from the Pacific Ocean. This extreme climate results in an exceptionally long growing season. Dominion Tantara's bottling focuses specifically on the Dijon 777 clone, renowned for producing small, concentrated berries that yield deep color, velvety tannins, and complex aromatic profiles of dark cherry, plum, and earthy undertones. The winemaking philosophy emphasizes traditional French techniques, utilizing careful oak aging to complement the natural structure and vibrant acidity of this coastal Pinot Noir.
🍾 wine.about_producer
Founded in 1997 by Bill Cates, Dominion Tantara is a distinguished boutique winery located in the Santa Maria Valley of Santa Barbara County, California. The winery is dedicated to producing exceptional, site-specific wines, sourcing fruit from some of the Central Coast's most prestigious vineyards, including Bentrock, Dierberg, and La Encantada. Emphasizing traditional French winemaking methods and minimal intervention, Dominion Tantara specializes in elegant, terroir-driven Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah. Their acclaimed single-vineyard and reserve bottlings, such as the Cuvee Jeannette and Evelyn Pinot Noirs, are highly regarded for their sophistication, balance, and aging potential.