Talley Vineyards "Rincon Vineyard" Pinot Noir 2023
(Arroyo Grande Valley, Central Coast, California) - [WA 94] [JD 93] VM 93] [WS 90]

About the Winery:
Talley Vineyards is located in the San Luis Obispo Coast American Viticultural Area (AVA) which is recognized as the coolest AVA in the state of California due to its direct proximity to the cold Pacific Ocean.  Within the San Luis Obispo Coast, there are two smaller AVAs, the Arroyo Grande Valley and the Edna Valley, and the winery owns vineyards and farms in both valleys.  The cool climate of the area, coupled with calcareous clay and shaly loam soils, makes it ideally suited to grow Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Talley Vineyards’ specialties.

The story of Talley Vineyards began when Brian Talley's grandfather, Oliver Talley, began growing specialty vegetables in the Arroyo Grande Valley in 1948. In 1982, his son Don Talley, planted wine grapes on a rolling hillside parcel unsuitable for vegetable farming. Four years later, in 1986, he and his wife Rosemary founded Talley Vineyards.

About the Wine:
Perched atop our Rincon Vineyard, the hills provide sweeping views of the Arroyo Grande Valley and yield some of our finest Pinot Noir. The early years of Pinot Noir cultivation in the San Luis Obispo Coast region were marked by challenges, with more consistent successes in Santa Barbara County. Don Talley’s discovery of UCD Clone 2A from Wadenswil, Switzerland, at UC Davis proved pivotal. This superior clone, coupled with careful farming, moderate yields, and the unique shale and calcareous soils of the Arroyo Grande Valley, began to draw attention.

The Rincon Pinot Noir was fermented in open top bins with native yeast. We leave 30% of the grapes as whole cluster and 70% is de-stemmed. The wine aged 16 months in 29% new French oak barrels.

Tasting Notes

Aromas of juicy cherry, pine and cranberry lead to flavors of wild berry, quince paste and green tea. The finish is long and juicy. Try this wine with crispy mushroom or pork dumplings with ponzu sauce.

Ratings & Reviews

94 Points - Wine Advocate:
"The sole Pinot Noir that retains a portion of whole bunches during fermentation, the 2023 Pinot Noir Rincon Vineyard clearly benefits from this treatment, opening with a beautiful, floral nose that offers lifted, spice-driven complexity along with a lush, even-keeled core of red and black fruits. A similarly intricate palate fuses elasticity, levity and depth, seamlessly transiting into a sturdy, mineral-driven finish that lingers with refined tannins and savory undertones. This is a beautiful expression of Arroyo Grande, and it should reward time in the cellar." - Matthew Luczy (Dec 2025)

93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"Beautifully complex, savory red and black berry fruits, spice, leather, a kiss of sassafras, and rose petals all emerge from the 2023 Pinot Noir Rincon Vineyard. It's medium-bodied, with a supple, elegant, juicy mouthfeel, nicely balanced tannins, and outstanding length. Aged 16 months in 29% new French oak before being bottled without filtration, this is another complex, juicy, elegant release from Talley that will drink beautifully over the coming decade. Drink 2025-2035." (Sep 2025)

93 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2023 Pinot Noir Rincon Vineyard is the only wine in this range made with whole clusters (30%), which lifts the aromatics and adds an attractive spiced character. Lithe and soft in texture, the 2023 highlights savory nuances of cedar, tobacco leaf and truffle alongside a core of red cherry fruit. A dusting of white pepper lingers on the finish. Tart acids annd inner tension point to a wine that will benefit fro patience." - Billy Norris (Aug 2025)

90 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Mulled strawberry and raspberry coulis notes are dusted with orange zest through the trim, focused finish, which lets in a minerally twinge. An understated style, with sneaky length and good underlying freshness. Drink now through 2028. 425 cases made." – JM (Jun 2026)