2022 Dragonette Cellars Pinot Noir Bentrock Vineyard Sta Rita Hills 750 ml

Jeb Dunnuck has called Dragonette “world-class.” Last summer, Antonio Galloni of Vinous called them “one of the most consistent and impressive wineries in Santa Barbara.” As for their 2022s: “I can't say enough good things about this set of wines.” And their 2022 Bentrock Pinot Noir stands out—even among a lineup of world class wines. 

“This is benchmark Pinot Noir,” wrote Antonio Galloni of Vinous, who gave it a 96-point score that once again puts Dragonette among the elite. 

The 2022 Bentrock Vineyard Pinot Noir is another stunning bottling from one of Dragonette’s signature sites—a vineyard so magnificent that the owners of Screaming Eagle purchased it as part of Rancho Salsipuedes in 2014. Salsipuedes site (loosely translated to "get out while you can”), comprises three distinct vineyards: Radian, Bentrock, and Puerta del Mar. 

Radian Vineyard, a Dragonette favorite, is steep and challenging. Bentrock, on the other hand, is high (400–500ft.) but not steep. It consists of long, rolling hills, giving it high altitude but gentle slopes that gather plenty of sunlight. The grapes ripen slowly thanks to the altitude and ocean breezes. It’s hard to look upon the undulating rows here and not think of Burgundy. The vines are low-yielding, creating magnificent concentration and richness in berries that have developed bracing acidity in the brisk Pacific breezes. 

Grown in the gorgeous 2022 season, this is a take-your-breath-away bottling that belongs with the best of California.