Review: Greg Norman Estates – 
2005 Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir,
2004 Santa Barbara County Chardonnay
by Jeffrey Reed, Editor, LondonOntarioGolf.com

Mention the name, Greg Norman, and the adjective, “classy,” comes to mind. In fact, with apologies to Tiger Woods, the former PGA Tour star is probably the most respected golfer-turned-businessperson in the industry. His clothing line, golf course design operations, involvement with MacGregor Golf gear, and his winery (just to name a few) are well respected for their quality offerings.

During the mid-1980s to late-1990s, Norman was known as the epitome of cool within the golf circle. As a testament to his skills – accounting for 20 PGA Tour wins – and his amiable image, he became a household name, joining the ranks of Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.

In the 1970s, Norman was first introduced to wine and the appreciation of a good bottle of wine while competing in Europe, namely France. He eventually experimented with wines from all over the world, and founded his own winery, Greg Norman Estates.

This month, we’re reviewing two of Norman’s finest wine offerings: 2005 Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir; and 2004 Santa Barbara County Chardonnay. 

Greg Norman Estates include Australia Estates, and California Estates. Says Norman, “The foundation for my new California wines was established many years ago. I am very fortunate to take something that I am passionate about, both a business and a personal interest, and expand it to a geographic area that I have grown so very fond of. My California line consists of five wines from distinctive, top-quality appellations that deliver a unique expression of its place of origin.”

2005 Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir

The 2005 vintage is known as one of the top vintages in Santa Barbara’s recent memory. Known for decades for its quality Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County boasts a long growing season, encouraging concentrated, balanced berries. The coastal climate here in California is just warm enough that the fruit fully ripens, yet it’s not too hot that vegetal undertones appear. Well-draining sandstone and limestone soils consistently produce small berries which are richly concentrated with flavours and aromas. We certainly found this to be the case during our sampling.

The majority of the fruit for this wine was sourced from the North Canyon, with the vineyards situated on the cool end of this box canyon in restrictive hillside soil. Overall, the crop size was a bit larger than normal, and the fruit was allowed enough hang time to develop smooth, ripened fruit flavours and tannin structure. Following gentle de-stemming, the whole berries were fermented in stainless steel open-top tanks, and punched down daily. A portion of the wine was then aged in a combination of 1- to 3-year-old French (30%) and American (22%) oak barrels. The remainder of the blend was aged in stainless steel to preserve the fresh fruit flavours and maintain good acid structure to the finished wine.

Norman’s California winemaker, Ron Schrieve, notes the 2005 Santa Barbara Pinot Noir’s ruby red colour; aromas of sweet strawberry, rose petal and tomato vine – subtle, and highlighted by mushroom nuances; and fruit forward flavours of ripe cherry and strawberry, delivered with a smooth mouthfeel and lingering silky tannins.

I must admit, a Pinot Noir is a personal favourite, and this wine did not disappoint. The subtle strawberry aroma, and ripe cherry flavour were delightful. Enjoyed before dining and during our meal, Norman’s 2005 Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir ($25) was a great discovery.

Technical Information
Alcohol: 14.2%
pH: 3.65
Total Acidity: 0.57 g/100ml
Harvest Date: September to October 2005
Bottle Date: May 2006

2004 Santa Barbara County Chardonnay

This wine benefits from the region’s extended growing season, grapes which ripen to their fullest, and offering of concentrated flavours and structure. Because sandstone and limestone soil here offers little in the way of nutrients, vines struggle for growth, and produce flavour-intense berries. A majority of the fruit for this wine came from Cat Canyon, which with its higher elevation and concurrent larger daytime temperature shifts produces grapes of lovely acidity and intense tropical fruit flavours. Indeed, sampling this wine delivered images of a tropical paradise.

“When Greg Norman and I met and decided on the Santa Barbara County appellation for his new California Chardonnay, I was elated,” said Schrieve. “Every winemaker I know is familiar with the fruit-forward tropical intensity and bright flavours of Santa Barbara County Chardonnay, but few had the chance to work with it.”

The 2004 vintage was a stellar year for this region’s Chardonnay. Whole clusters were sent directly to press in order to extract the juice quickly, and to avoid bitterness from skins. A cool ferment was employed to retain freshness. Schrieve chose not to put this wine through malolactic fermentation, in order to maintain the emphasis on the fruit and food-friendly style. In keeping with a rich but balanced flavour profile, Schrieve also decided not to ferment in new oak, as it would have masked the prominent fruit flavours in the grapes.

Bravo. This wine’s fruit flavour is memorable, but not overbearing, and was a great companion to our grilled chicken. Suggested food pairings are fish tacos, coconut shrimp, or chopped grilled chicken tossed with penne pasta, olive oil, shredded basil and a bit of grated Parmesan cheese.

Schrieve notes, “The finished wine is light and refreshing, with a hint of crispness. The citrus aroma is punctuated with lemon zest. On the palate, guava, pear, fig and nectarine flavours at the forefront give way to layers of tropical fruit characters. Subtle vanilla notes and a bit of light spice round out a smooth, bright finish.”

I highly recommend this wine ($20) for a variety of dining pleasures with friends and family following a great day on the links.

Technical Information
Alcohol: 13.9%
pH: 3.53
Total Acidity: 0.64 g/100ml
Harvest Date: September to October 2004
Bottle Date: May 2005

Chalk up another win for Norman. His wine offerings are exquisite, providing a benchmark to which other professional golfers can aspire. We thoroughly enjoyed both wines reviewed, and will purchase them in the future, whether enjoying a steak off the grill, or sitting by the fireplace during a winter social.

Just like Norman himself, the Shark’s wines are drenched in versatility and quality. Find out more about Greg Norman California Estates wines, plus his Australia Estates, at www.shark.com.

Ed. note: Next month, we review three offerings from Greg Norman Australia Estates.