Santa Maria Valley
California · United States · Wine Auction Prices
Santa Maria Valley is a sub-region within California, United States renowned for its Pinot Noir. The auction database contains 657 lots, averaging $56 per bottle and ranging $1–$444. The median auction vintage is 2015. The top wines at auction include Paul Lato, Bien Nacido Syrah Il Padrino, Santa Maria Valley, Qupe, Bien Nacido Hillside Syrah, Santa Maria Valley, Foxen, Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block 8, Santa Maria Valley, Au Bon Climat, Knox Alexander Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, Au Bon Climat, La Bauge Au-Dessus Estate Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, while leading producers include Paul Lato, Au Bon Climat, Foxen, Qupe. The Santa Maria Valley sub-region is recognized for its distinctive terroir that produces wines of consistent character and quality. Collectors are drawn to the combination of geographical specificity, the quality of individual producers, and the historical significance of the sub-region's wines in the context of California. Auction activity reflects sustained international demand for the region's finest bottles, with the best examples demonstrating clear aging potential and site expression.
In the Glass
Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir is characterized by red cherry, raspberry, and earthy complexity typical of its California terroir. The wines show fine tannin structure, natural acidity, and the capacity to develop secondary aromas of truffle, game, and dried herbs with age. The specific soils and microclimate of Santa Maria Valley produce a style that is recognizable within the broader regional context.
Red Wines
| Wine | Avg Price | Lots Sold |
|---|---|---|
| Paul Lato Bien Nacido Syrah Il Padrino | $83 | 36 |
| Qupe Bien Nacido Hillside Syrah | $47 | 32 |
| Foxen Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block 8 | $38 | 31 |
| Au Bon Climat Knox Alexander Pinot Noir | $62 | 25 |
| Au Bon Climat La Bauge Au-Dessus Estate Pinot Noir | $52 | 25 |
| Paul Lato Solomon Hills Pinot Noir Suerte | $67 | 21 |
| The Ojai Vineyard Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir | $40 | 21 |
| Chanin Bien Nacido Pinot Noir | $41 | 18 |
| Foxen Pinot Noir | $33 | 16 |
| Gary Farrell Bien Nacido Pinot Noir | $23 | 16 |
| Herman Story Bien Nacido Syrah | $44 | 15 |
| Paul Lato Duende Gold Coast Vineyard Pinot Noir | $75 | 15 |
| Paul Lato The Prospect Sierra Madre Pinot Noir | $59 | 14 |
| Qupe Bien Nacido Syrah | $43 | 14 |
| Fingers Crossed Unanswered Prayers Syrah | $169 | 13 |
| Ambullneo Pinot Noir Canis Major | $144 | 12 |
| The Ojai Vineyard Solomon Hills Vineyard Pinot Noir | $49 | 12 |
| Bonaccorsi Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah | $83 | 10 |
| Ambullneo Pinot Noir Bulldog Reserve | $35 | 9 |
White Wines
| Wine | Avg Price | Lots Sold |
|---|---|---|
| Paul Lato Souvenir Sierra Madre Chardonnay | $59 | 10 |
Top Producers
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