News

2012 Sauvignon Blanc Release


July 2013

New Release of 2012 Sauvignon Blanc and Upcoming Events

Greetings from the Santa Ynez Valley:

Summer is off to a scorching start here in the Santa Ynez Valley, with multiple days in the upper 90s and even 100s. Even our typically cool evenings have been warmer than usual. Indeed, this year has been one of the warmest we can remember, and with little rain this winter or spring, we are certainly looking at an early harvest. We have been out and about in the vineyards, checking the canopies, evaluating and dropping crop levels where necessary. The grapes generally look terrific and we are hopeful for another good harvest in 2013.

Speaking of good harvests, as we have mentioned before, 2012 turned out to be a tremendously successful year. We were thrilled with the 2012 Rosé, which people have been gobbling up at record pace (very little remains, so act fast if you want to stock up for the really hot summer months!) But have no fear; another warm weather specialist is now ready to be officially released; the 2012 Sauvignon Blanc, Happy Canyon. As you will all recall, the 2011 version of this wine was fantastic, garnering enthusiastic reviews and press, including 91 points from Josh Raynolds in Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar and from James Suckling (former head honcho at the Wine Spectator who launched his own project a couple years ago). We think the 2012 is every bit as good at the 2011; showing that unique Happy Canyon signature of complex, bold tropical fruit and ripe melon flavors with energetic, citrus-laced acidity. You are definitely going to want to grab a handful of these wines for the summer outdoor eating season. Details below.

Additionally, we wanted to alert you to several exciting upcoming events in the Southern California area. 

New Release: 2012 Sauvignon Blanc, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara – $28

Happy Canyon, with its unique soils and climate – warm to hot summer days and cool to cold evenings – is ideal for promoting full phenolic ripeness while still retaining critical acidity. This bottling represents an appellation blend of lots we feel express the characteristics of Happy Canyon; explosive but bright yellow and tropical fruits and melons balanced by fresh, clean and present acidity, but without the herbaceousness sometimes associated with the grape. The Happy Canyon bottling is a blend of grapes from Grassini (60%) and Vogelzang (40%), both top notch vineyards, exquisitely farmed for ultra high quality. 

Grassini Family Vineyard is planted at high density in thin soils of sandy clay loam with some serpentinite. The grapes produce wines with complex aromas and flavors of sweet ripe melons and kiwi, underpinned by key lime and baking spices.

Vogelzang Vineyard has older vines (15 years) planted on gentle slopes of slightly richer maritime soils. With careful canopy management and vigor control, Vogelzang gives Sauvignon Blanc with spectacular and explosive aromatics and tropical flavors of mango, guava and pineapple and are well matched to aging in French oak barrels. 

The wine was fermented and aged on its lees in 75% neutral oak barrels and 25% stainless steel. The wine demonstrates the classic Vogelzang tropical fruit notes along with the elegant energy of the Grassini vineyard and great body and length. 

Click here to order

Our Tasting Note: Pale golden in color, the wine displays aromas of guava, honeydew, white peaches, green apple, kiwi, lemon and other citrus notes and hints of fresh pineapple, complicated by mineral notes, sea salt, white flowers, gentle fresh basil and thyme and faraway hints of fresh cut grass. On the palate the wine is medium bodied, yet substantial, as waves of fresh tropical fruits, nectarines, and melons build in the mouth before being enveloped in ripe round acidity and mineral notes of granite, and sea shells. On the finish, the wine displays a fascinating complexity, as the fruit, mineral and herbal notes intermingle and dance across the palate, ending with a slight creaminess, which still maintains freshness and balance. The wine is built for all manner of seafood and poultry dishes (especially on the grill), pastas (pesto, primavera, light cream sauces), rice dishes (paella would be a great match), cheese (esp. goat cheese) and vegetables.

Upcoming Events

As you know, we love to get out on the road and pour at events, and there are several coming up soon, hopefully in your neighborhood. Come visit us at one of these fun, informative and delicious events. And keep checking the website for more events; we are always on the lookout for great events we think you will enjoy.

Wednesday July 31, 2013, 6:00 – 9:00pm

Winemaker Dinner

Laguna Beach, CA

Wine Gallery Laguna

We are thrilled to visit the new Wine Gallery in Laguna Beach for a 5 course dinner expertly paired by Chef Josh. This is the perfect opportunity to taste the new releases alongside peak of season cuisine, and this location promises a stunning Summer setting.

To RSVP, click here

Thursday August 1, 2013, 6:00 – 9:00pm

Winemaker Pouring

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Amazing Grapes

We will be pouring our new releases at this great shop/wine bar in Rancho Santa Margarita. Join Brandon for a taste of what’s new.

Click here for more info

Thursday August 8, 2013, 6:30pm

Winemaker Dinner

Stanton, CA

Park Ave

We return to this amazing oasis in Stanton for what has become an annual event. Chef David Slay and General Manager Mansour Yazdi and crew have created a one of a kind experience at Park Ave, and this evening will feature ingredients from their on-site garden along with their classy hospitality.

Please call 714.901.4400 or click here for more info

 Wednesday August 14, 2013, 6:00 – 8:00pm

Winemaker Pouring

Carlsbad, CA

The Wine Loft

We will be pouring our new releases at the recently renovated Wine Loft. Join Brandon for a taste of what’s new, including the 2012 Happy Canyon Sauvignon Blanc

Click here for more info

Thursday August 15, 2013, 6:00 – 9:00pm

Winemaker Dinner

Santa Monica, CA

Fig Restaurant

Join us for a farm to table Winemaker Dinner at the peak of market season. Chef Ray Garcia will craft a menu inspired by the freshest ingredients at the famed Santa Monica Farmers market, all perfectly paired with our wines. Don’t miss it!

Please call 310.319.3111 or click here for more info

Saturday August 17, 2013, 5:00 – 8:00pm

Wine & Fire at the La Purisima Mission

Sta. Rita Hills, CA

Experience the magical qualities of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation at our annual mid-summer Grand Tasting. As the grapes ripen on the vines throughout the appellation, the members of the Sta. Rita Hills Winegrowers Alliance gather to present their wines to you in the beauty of the historic La Purisima Mission courtyard. More than two dozen member wineries, joined by our neighborhood restaurants, will gather under the oaks to pair world class Sta. Rita Hills wines with grilled local specialties. Join us!

For additional information and tickets, click here

Saturday/Sunday August 24/25, 2013, 12:00 – 4:00pm

LA Food & Wine

LA Live, Downtown Los Angeles, CA

Save the date for this fantastic celebration of food & wine featuring a constellation of amazing chefs and winemakers. We will post more information closer to the event date.

For additional information and tickets, click here

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Cheers!

DC