Bien Nacido Vineyard
Appellation: Santa Maria Valley (Santa Barbara County)
Owner: Miller Family
Acreage (for Testarossa):
- Chardonnay, 4.5 acres, planted in 1973
- Pinot Noir, 6 acres, planted in 1973
Clones: Pinot Noir - Mt. Eden, Chardonnay - Clone 4
Soil Composition: Elder series shaley loam
Elevation: 400 feet
Exposure: South/southwest
Climate: Marine influenced, cool summer temperatures ranging from daytime highs in the low 70s to pre-dawn lows in the 50s.
First Testarossa vintage:
1995 - Chardonnay; 1997 - Pinot Noir
The Bien Nacido Vineyard, planted in 1973, sits in one of the most ideal locations in Santa Barbara County's cool ocean facing Santa Maria Valley which gives the grapes exceptionally long hang time. Underlying the eastern edge of the vineyard is an old crumbly shaley loam stratum of soil called Elder Series, which adds extra mineral flavors to the wines.