2023 The Paring Pinot Noir 750ml

Overview

A smooth, deeply fruited and seductive Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir from winemaker Matt Dees. The 2023 combines bright red fruit, plum and spice with a round, harmonious palate, supple tannins and well-judged French oak. Generous in style yet retaining nuance and refinement, it offers immediate drinking pleasure with the structure to develop further in bottle.

Winemaker Notes

“A smooth and deeply fruited Pinot Noir, the wine enraptures the minute it hits the glass. Its bright red fruit mixes with a hint of plum and spice on the nose. This is a bolder style of Pinot Noir, but it will more than satisfy those who crave nuance and refinement. The palate is round, soft and harmonious with spicy red cherry intermingling with the right amount of oak. This is truly a best-in-class Pinot Noir.” — Matt Dees, Winemaker

Winemaking

The wine was matured for 11 months in French oak, with 35% new and 65% neutral barrels. Coopers included D&J, François Frères and Remond. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Critic Reviews

92 Points — James Suckling
“Youthful fruit is still coming into its own, but it’s already starting to flesh out with flavors of rhubarb compote, mixed berries and bergamot. A dusting of oak duff in the background provides a compelling counterpoint to rose hips, woodsy spice and minerals. Very long on the generous finish.”
Tasted September 2025

91 Points — Jeb Dunnuck
“Readers will love the 2023 Pinot Noir, and it's a smoking value in classy California Pinot. Medium ruby-hued, with ripe red fruits, peppery herbs, spice, and floral notes, it's medium-bodied, has a pure, layered mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and outstanding length. It will continue drinking beautifully through 2033. Drink 2025-2033.”
Reviewed September 2025

91 Points — Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
“The 2023 Pinot Noir is an exceptional value and a strong representation of Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir. It is pure, dark-fruited and subtly woody on the nose, followed by a deep, remarkably refined palate and a savory finish that lingers with the black tea-like tannins that define the region.”

90 Points — Billy Norris, Vinous
“The 2023 Pinot Noir is a friendly, approachable wine with exotic spice, waxy red-apple peel and hints of dark cherry pit notes. Bright and cheerful, the 2023 boasts an upright structure and a sense of weightlessness. Lovely.”
Reviewed August 2025

Specifications

• Vintage: 2023
• Producer: The Paring
• Winemaker: Matt Dees
• Grape Variety: Pinot Noir
• Region: Santa Barbara County, California, USA
• Maturation: 11 months in French oak
• New Oak: 35%
• Production: Unfined and unfiltered
• Alcohol: 14.1%
• Drinking Window: 2025–2033