Vintages
2005 Syrah, Santa Ynez Valley
Vineyard Sources: Tierra Alta and Cuatro Vientos in the Santa Ynez Valley
Blend Composition: 100% Syrah from the 2005 vintage.
Clones: Estrella River and 99 (Beaucastel clone)
Winemaking Notes: The 2005 Syrah is composed from two different clones of syrah grapes harvested from two separate vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley - Estrella River clone from Tierra Alta Vineyard in the Ballard Canyon and Clone 99 from Cuatro Vientos vineyard in Los Olivos. The grapes were destemmed without crushing, cold soaked for several days then fermented in 1.5 ton open-top fermenters. After completion of the fermentation, the wines were racked directly to small oak barrels (30% new) where they aged approximately 15 months with minimal handling. The wine was bottled without fining or filtration.
Tasting Notes: The nose features classic cool climate syrah aromas of blackberry, blueberry, and dark chocolate with hints of bacon. The wine is well balanced in the mouth with a lush, almost creamy texture. Flavors echo the nose and build to include raspberry and a subtle dusty leather component which leads to a concentrated fruit driven finish.
Alcohol: 14.9%
Cases Produced: 300
2006 Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills
Vineyard Sources: Fiddlestix and Gaia (Ashley’s) in the far western Sta. Rita Hills
Blend Composition: 100% Pinot Noir from the 2006 vintage.
Clones: 113, 114, 115, 777, and Pommard
Winemaking Notes: The grapes for the 2006 Pinot Noir were hand-harvested in the cool early morning hours (4:00 a.m. in the case of Fiddlestix) over several days in September. We were pleased with the crop quality from these esteemed vineyards, as the grapes were remarkably clean and evenly ripened. Within hours of harvest, we were at the winery, cluster sorting and then gently and completely destemming, without crushing. We meticulously sorted the whole berries before transferring them into small (1.5 ton) open-topped fermenters for cold soaking of 4 to 7 days. We fermented each vineyard block separately over a 14 to 30 day period, punching down twice daily. At dryness, we drained the free run juice directly to barrel by gravity and gently pressed the remaining berries in a small basket press. The wine aged on its lees for 17 months in French oak (50% new, assorted coopers) and was bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Notes: A vibrant light purple-red in the glass. The nose features a spicy blend of strawberries and cherries with cedar, juniper berries, and Asian spices. Delicate (this is pinot!), silky, and seductive in the mouth the flavors of crushed berries build into a mouth-coating, sappy, finish. The lingering cherry and cranberry notes beg for freshly grilled salmon or creamy potato gratin.
Alcohol: 14.6%
Cases Produced: 144
2007 Rose Santa, Ynez Valley
Vineyard Sources: Demetria Estate (Biodynamic), Shadow Canyon, Watch Hill.
Blend Composition: Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre
Winemaking Notes: Produced by blending free run and saignee juice of several different vineyards and blocks. The juice was cold fermented by native yeasts in a stainless steel tank, and then transferred to neutral French oak barrels for ageing.
Tasting Notes: Made in bone dry style reminiscent of Tavel, our 2007 Rose is the perfect companion for summer. A light strawberry and garnet red color in the glass, the wine is full of fresh fruit aromas. Watermelon, wild strawberries, and Bing cherries come through on the nose and are complemented by hints of lavender and straw. The flavors echo the nose and build to include chilled peaches and apricots, along with a nice mineral-driven acidity on the finish.
Alcohol: 13.5%