Ocellus Santa Margarita Ranch Pinot Noir 2018

A peacock displays his feathers when it’s time to impress. Our California expert Clare Tooley thinks she may have found a wine world equivalent in this top-value Pinot Noir.

Ocellus hails from Santa Margarita Ranch, a special district in the premium Paso Robles region. Santa Margarita Ranch is Paso’s southernmost sub-AVA and the only one that doesn’t border another sub-AVA. While most of Paso Robles lies further inland (and is therefore hotter and well-suited to big, rich reds), Santa Margarita Ranch benefits from the cooling influence of the nearby Pacific Ocean. This makes it a prime spot for producing fresh, expressive Pinot Noir.

When Clare tasted this lovely Pinot, she asked the winemaking team to name it Ocellus. She was inspired by Frankie the peacock, one of her friend’s beloved pets. His strut and gorgeous plumage recall the finesse put into Ocellus (the “eye” pattern on peacock feathers) by the winemakers. You’re in for ripe berry flavors, plus feathery soft tannins and a smooth, luxurious finish. Guaranteed to be a show-stopper on your dinner table, it’ll shine with everything from meaty salmon to roasted turkey to stuffed eggplant.

Better place a quick order before this feathered find flies out of our cellars – quantities are limited!