15 Jul Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Right Turn Wine Co 2022 Santa Barbara Pinot Noir

With so many wine brands in the world, there are always new ones to discover. I had never heard of Right Turn Wine Co. until my friend Mike selected one of their Pinot Noirs for us to review on Wine Weirdos. From the first sip, I was intrigued. In fact, I liked the wine so much that I took the rest of the bottle home to enjoy with dinner. Sometimes the best discoveries happen when you take a right turn, and that’s exactly why the Right Turn Wine Co. Pinot Noir is the Please The Palate Wine of the Week.

About Right Turn Wine Co.

Right Turn Wine Co. was founded by friends Ross Reedy and Tyler Hayes, who share the belief that great wines should tell the story of place. Ross is the winemaker at Truett Hurst and VML and also consults with wineries around the world. After Tyler moved to Healdsburg in 2018, the two friends began collaborating over backyard tastings, shared adventures, and ultimately making wine together.

Rather than focusing on large production, Right Turn Wine Co. crafts small-lot wines from thoughtfully selected vineyards in some of California’s premier growing regions, including Sonoma County and Santa Barbara County. Their philosophy is to produce wines they not only love to drink but are excited to share with others. The name, Right Turn, is inspired by their go-with-the-flow mentality. Every bottle is crafted to express the vineyard’s personality while embracing a minimal-intervention philosophy in the cellar.

Tasting Notes

Pinot Noir is a site-sensitive grape variety, capable of expressing subtle differences in climate, soil, and elevation. The cool-climate Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir is a beautiful, almost translucent ruby color. The nose is layered with vibrant aromas of cherry, wild strawberry, and pomegranate, accented by a touch of blood orange. As the wine opens, notes of baking spice, black tea, and subtle earthy, savory nuances add complexity. On the palate, those bright red fruit flavors carry through beautifully. Lightly textured with vibrant acidity, the wine is graceful and energetic with a mouthwatering finish that invites another sip.

Food Pairing

Pinot Noir’s elegance and versatility make it one of the most food-friendly red wines, and this example was no exception. I enjoyed the Right Turn Santa Barbara Pinot Noir with grilled salmon, broccoli, and sautéed button mushrooms. The wine’s bright acidity complemented the richness of the salmon, while its earthy, savory notes echoed the mushrooms. Such a simple pairing and yet so delicious.

Where To Purchase

The Santa Barbara Pinot Noir retails for $45 and can be purchased directly on the Right Turn Wine Co. website.