San Simeon Monterey Pinot Noir 2022

In the glass, this 2022 Pinot Noir shows deep colour and invites with aromas of black cherry, raspberry and rhubarb, along with darker hints of cocoa and black pepper. On the palate it opens with plush red-fruit flavours, soft, rounded tannins and a subtle oak under-current from ten months’ ageing in new French barrels. The texture is rich yet carries a lively freshness, the cool-coast influence evident in its clean finish. It’s a wine built for immediate pleasure but with enough structure to evolve over the next few years.

This Pinot Noir thrives with dishes that mirror its finesse and fruit-led character. Try seared salmon with a cherry-reduced glaze, roasted duck breast in a berry-port sauce, pork tenderloin with fig compote, wild mushroom risotto with a touch of truffle oil, or a plate of aged Gouda and brie. On the lighter side, pair it with herb-roasted chicken, grilled pork chops with rosemary, or even a summer tomato-basil pasta. All will complement this wine’s balance of fruit vibrancy and smooth texture beautifully.

The Monterey AVA, located along California’s Central Coast, is a place where the Pacific Ocean exerts remarkable influence. Here, the cold waters of the Monterey Bay create a long, cool growing season — among the longest in the state — allowing grapes like Pinot Noir to develop layered complexity while maintaining bright natural acidity. Morning fog and brisk coastal winds funnel through the Salinas Valley, moderating temperatures and creating dramatic diurnal swings that extend ripening well into late autumn. The region’s soils are a mosaic of decomposed granite, limestone, and shale, offering both excellent drainage and mineral nuance in the finished wines.

The San Simeon label is produced by the Riboli Family Wine Estates, one of California’s oldest continuously operating, family-owned wineries. Founded in 1917, the Riboli family has cultivated over a century of winemaking expertise, rooted originally in Los Angeles and later expanded throughout the Central Coast. Today, fourth-generation vintners Anthony, Dominic, Steve, and Arlene Riboli continue the legacy with a modern focus on sustainability. Their Monterey and Paso Robles vineyards are certified under the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, and the winery itself utilizes solar energy and recycled water to reduce its footprint.

San Simeon wines draw their name from the scenic coastal village near Hearst Castle, symbolizing both natural beauty and craftsmanship. The Riboli family chose this name to embody their philosophy of coastal elegance — wines shaped by the ocean’s influence yet expressing the richness of California’s sun-drenched soils. The 2022 Monterey Pinot Noir continues this tradition, representing not only the family’s enduring dedication to quality but also the Central Coast’s balance of artistry, innovation, and terroir-driven authenticity.