Allan Hancock College Vineyard Rocks with 94 pts & Editors Choice
We're thrilled that Wine Enthusiast has given us the big thumbs up with our new release 2020 Pinot Noir Allan Hancock College Vineyard. Winemaker Norm Yost has a long history with Allan Hancock College, first as an instructor of winemaking and later as an advisory committee member on the Viticulture & Enology Program. He was impressed when the urban vineyard was planted over 10 years ago as part of a hands-on work experience in the program. The 4-acre Allan Hancock College Vineyard is located on the west side of Highway 101 on College Avenue in the heart of Santa Maria. It’s the only commercial urban vineyard that is operating in the city of Santa Maria, located in a unique setting with housing on two sides to the north of the girls’ softball field. The vineyard is planted to Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah and Torrontes. The grapes are used by the students to make wine at the campus winery or sold to local wineries. In 2020, Yost was given access to the premium fruit because the program was not making wine that year due to COVID-19. AHC College has been producing award-winning wines from the vineyard and even launched an annual West Coast College & University Wine Festival in 2023. The 2024 event was a huge success with a great sampling of collegiate wines across the western U.S.
Join us in an adventure which is our first release of Pinot Noir from Allan Hancock College Vineyard. Wine Enthusiast thinks it is stellar! Meander down a deciduous Northwestern rainforest trail in the summer to awaken your first sensory appreciation of this earthy wine. The gorgeous medium garnet color and enticing dusty cherry aromatics will lure you into the profound flavors on the palate. Enjoy dark cherry and plum soaked in toasted oak with a hint of cranberry. Pair with Santa Maria tri-tip and salsa, Queso Manchego, Cypress Grove Midnight Moon or cayenne brownie.
