A member of "IPOB-In Pursuit of Balance", which allows only wines that pursue balance to enter. This Pinot Noir is from a small vineyard of only 8 acres in the Santa Maria Valley, surrounded by famous vineyards.
100% whole bunch fermentation. Each clone is fermented separately and aged for 21 months in French oak barrels (20% new). Blended in May 2014 and bottled in July.
2012 is a near-perfect vintage. The aromas are gorgeous when young. After aging for about 10 years, the structure of the wine becomes beautiful. It has an Old World style that fully expresses the delicate characteristics of Pinot Noir.
Native 9, made from single-vineyard Pinot Noir grapes by James Ontiveros, is the fruition of his dreams. During the pioneering days of California, his ancestors from Mexico acquired a huge plot of land in what is now Santa Maria Valley, and together with his parents, he reacquired a small plot of land. In 1997, he planted Pinot Noir saplings on the eight-acre field with his own hands. The name "Native 9" was chosen because he is the ninth generation of his ancestors to have come to California. The vineyard is surrounded by famous vineyards such as Bien Nacido. He loves the terroir of Santa Maria Valley, which is loamy and sandy, and is blown in by the cool winds from the sea. He is particular about organic cultivation and carefully growing Pinot Noir using sustainable farming methods, and the characteristics of the Pinot Noir are fully expressed in the wine. Despite the very small production, Native 9's quality has been recognized within the industry, and the winery is currently a member of IPOB (In Pursuit Of Balance), an organization that is creating a new trend in California wine. IPOB specializes in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and emphasizes the inherent characteristics of each variety, seeking wines that express the terroir of the land, in other words, the pursuit of balance. Founded in 2001, this organization includes famous California winemakers, and Native 9 was selected early on for its quality.