These wines are extremely limited
There’s only so much to spare of these wines as most of their case production is allocated to the current or upcoming Wine Club, so be sure to act fast.

Greetings from the Santa Ynez Valley:

Happy Almost Spring! What a cold wet winter it has been, but the vines will really appreciate all the rain and a long dormancy. Once the sun starts shining, the vines should be very energetic indeed.  We look forward to another growing season, kicking off soon!

In the meantime, we are pleased to announce the release of the first Pinot Noir and first Chardonnay of the fantastic 2021 Vintage. We do not like to use the term “best ever” for a vintage, but 2021 was indeed special, and these wines are already showing great after only a couple months in bottle. You are going to love these wines, but beware, demand has continued to outstrip supply.

We are also happy to announce that Rosé is Back! Sunny days are undoubtedly ahead after the cold, wet (hooray!) winter. Fresh, crisp, and lip smacking, the 2022 Rosé promises smiles.

Vintage Notes:
2021 was a relatively long, even, and generally cool year. Winter was dry and cold, but rainfall was very low until an atmospheric river arrived in March and dumped 5 inches of rain in two days. This late season rain helped push budbreak back a bit and cleansed the soils. The Spring was generally cool and windy, extending flowering somewhat, but neither frost nor shatter were a problem. June was cool and foggy, while July turned warmer, but only into the 80’s in Sta Rita Hills. August was also relatively cool, with even the warmest days cooling off at night. A mostly cool September (excluding the usual Labor Day heatwave) and early October allowed gentle slow ripening of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay which were picked before mid-October under ideal conditions. The long season gave grapes with great ripeness at fabulous acidity.

2021 Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills

The 16^th vintage of this wine, and a fabulous one it is! This wine was crafted from selected barrels from all of our Pinot Noir vineyards in order to make a wine of great flavor, complexity and harmony. We chose barrels that demonstrate approachability, an engaging personality, freshness and charm. The wine is comprised of grapes from Radian (42%), Bentrock (17%), Sanford & Benedict (14%), Fiddlestix (12%), Rancho La Vina (9%), La Rinconada (3%) and Spear (3%).  The wine was aged 15 months on its lees in neutral French oak barriques, then blended and bottled without filtration. The cool vintage gives this wine a great combination of ripeness with structure, energy and length.

2021 Chardonnay, Sta. Rita Hills

Our answer to the constant Chardonnay questions – no, Chardonnay does not have to be buttery, or oaky or heavy. Here in the cool Sta. Rita Hills, the Chardonnay has great yellow and tropical fruits but with fabulous acidity and intrigue from the mineral impression as well as energy, lift and cut. We are very pleased with this wine, right out of the gate, it has been balanced and seamless and delicious. 85% Rita’s Crown and 15% Duvarita, fermented and aged for 15 months on its lees, in mostly second fill French Oak barrels. Due to low yields this wine is extremely limited.  Only 140 cases made.

2022 Rosé, Santa Ynez Valley

80% Grenache, 13% Mourvèdre, 7%  Graciano

60% Vogelzang Vineyard, 40% Two Wolves Vineyard,

13.3% ABV

Our yearly Rosé release is always eagerly anticipated, and the 2022 certainly justifies the excitement. Made from big, beautiful, happy clusters picked in the early morning hours and rushed to the winery where they  were gently pressed, and the juice settled overnight and then fermented into wine in 65% neutral barrels (228L, 400L, 500L) and 35% stainless steel. The wine was aged for 5 months on its lees, picking up complexity and harmony and then carefully bottled.

The wine displays bright red fruits (strawberries & raspberries) along with watermelon, green apple, citrus peel and bright acidity. We think it is a perfect combination of ripeness and energy. The wine will pair beautifully with the warm spring and summer months, in the open air, with food, and without. Enjoy!

Wines are available for pick up at the Los Olivos Tasting Room or can be shipped across the US.