2018 Fall Release
Hello Everyone
We are pleased to announce the Fall Release of new wines from Dragonette Cellars.
** Wine Club Members see below for details on your shipment **
These wines all come from the excellent 2016 vintage, and include the following low production, handcrafted wines:
Reds
Pinot Noirs
2016 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills
2016 Pinot Noir Duvarita Vineyard (Extremely Limited)
2016 Pinot Noir, Radian Vineyard (Wine Club Fall 2018)
Syrah
2016 Syrah “Seven” (89% Syrah, 10% Grenache, 1% Viognier)
2016 Syrah John Sebastiano Vineyard (Wine Club Exclusive Fall 2018)
Grenache
2016 Grenache John Sebastiano Vineyard (Extremely Limited)
Whites
Sauvignon Blanc
2016 Sauvignon Blanc Grassini Family Vineyard (Wine Club Exclusive Fall 2018)
2016 Sauvignon Blanc Vogelzang Vineyard (Extremely Limited)
Chardonnay
2016 Chardonnay, Rita’s Crown Vineyard (Extremely Limited)
2016 Chardonnay, Duvarita Vineyard (Extremely Limited)
The 2016 Vintage
2016 was a highly successful vintage. We finally enjoyed significant rainfall in the winter (though not the drought busting amounts seen by our friends up north). We also avoided the truly terrible May weather of 2015 (and 2017) that led to very poor set and extremely low yields. Decent 2016 production was welcome in helping offset the drastically (almost tragically) low production in the years bookending 2016. Wines were typically elegant, fresh and vibrant with good concentration and depth. These wines will drink well young but still have the stuffing and structure to repay mid-term aging.
Wine Club Members
This Fall Release does not affect your current wine club allocation. Your orders from this Fall Release will be shipped together with your Fall Wine Club allocation. You will receive these wines in your Fall 2018 Shipment:
2016 Sauvignon Blanc Grassini Family Vineyard
2016 Pinot Noir Radian Vineyard
2016 Syrah John Sebastiano Vineyard
The Release will remain open until September 15. Allocation requests will be collected online, and processed in the order received based upon wine club membership level and order history. Wines will ship in October, weather permitting (expedited shipping options available).
Reds
PINOT NOIR
2016 Pinot Noir, Radian Vineyard (Sta. Rita Hills)
Radian is one of the most dramatic, remote and extreme sites in Santa Barbara County. It is located at the far western edge of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation, high atop the sparse, chaparral and poison oak studded Santa Rosa Hills, and it literally wraps itself around crevasses and steep cliffs, its tiny roads literally clinging to hillsides in some spots. From here one has a direct sightline to the huge expanse of the mighty Pacific Ocean, whose influence completely dominates the site, from the cold powerful winds, to the high proportion of prehistoric algae skeletons (the silica based diatomaceous earth) comprising the soils. This vineyard actually seems to rest, somewhat precariously, upon this remarkably hardscrabble land. We identified this site at its inception and chose the most extreme blocks, which yield a tiny crop of small clusters. The resulting wines are intense, with a fascinating mineral streak and a remarkable depth of flavor even at lower alcohol levels. We have received several outstanding reviews on the wines from this site.
2016 was an excellent vintage at Radian, with healthy vines producing a small crop of fabulous grapes. The wine was aged on its lees for 18 months in French oak barrels (25% new). The wine has great complexity and depth of flavor balanced by terrific energy and mineral notes. Very Limited, only 490 cases produced.
2016 Pinot Noir, Duvarita Vineyard (Santa Barbara County)
Duvarita Vineyard, just west of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation lies on south-facing slopes of almost pure sand. The grapes here are farmed biodynamically. The low vigor soils, small canopy and a low fruit zone combine to make this one of the lowest yielding and earliest ripening vineyards we farm. The small clusters here give wines that are lean and elegant, with terrific intensity, minerality and a remarkable depth of flavor even at lower alcohol levels.
2016 was an excellent vintage at Duvarita. The wine was aged on its lees for 18 months in French oak barrels (14% new). The wine has great volume and depth and is, at this point, only hinting at its usual kaleidoscopic aromatics, which are certain to unfold with time. We recently received word that the 2015 Duvarita received 95 points in the Wine Enthusiast, and with supplies extremely low, you should secure some of the 2016 without delay. Extremely Limited. Only 165 cases produced.
2016 Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills
The SRH Pinot Noir is all about complexity and balance. From the inception of our winery we have believed that blending Pinot Noir from diverse vineyard blocks and sites would create a whole greater than the sum of its parts. Wines form the warmer parts of the SRH would provide dramatic fruits and baking spices, wines from the cooler portions would provide, higher toned red fruits, fresh herbs, minerals and great acidity. Over the years we have selected vineyard sources for the purpose of crafting this wine, and in 2016 we blended grapes from 7 different vineyards to make this wine sing the song of the Santa Rita Hills – beautifully pure, fairly rich red fruits, excellent spices and big but beautiful structure. We carefully age the wines on their lees to limit movement and retain freshness and energy. In 2016 the wine was comprised of grapes from Bentrock (35%), John Sebastiano (22%), La Encantada (20%), Radian (10%), Fiddlestix (7%), Cargasacchi (4%), Spear (2%). The wine was aged on its lees for 16 months in French oak barrels (10% new) before bottling. It is already displaying excellent aromatic and flavor complexity.
SYRAH
2016 Syrah “Seven” (Santa Ynez Valley)
Seven is our Syrah-based blend, originally named for the seven exceptional cool climate vineyard sites from which it was comprised. We have refined our vineyard sources for this wine over the years, selecting precise blocks and clones to increase aromatic and flavor complexity, rather than sheer fruit power. The 2016 Seven is comprised of 89% Syrah, 10% Grenache and 1% Viognier. The wine is sourced from John Sebastiano Vineyard (54%) Stolpman Vineyard (30%), Kimsey (8%) and Spear (8%). The wine was aged in French oak barrels and puncheons (10% new) for 18 months before blending and bottling.
We are thrilled with the performance of this wine, as it is already beginning to show off explosive, complex aromatics (red, blue and black fruits, spices and meats), a rich, yet lifted palate, smooth texture and a scintillatingly long finish for such a young wine. We expect this wine to continue to develop over the coming years and to last for well over a decade. Limited. Only 575 cases produced.
2016 Syrah John Sebastiano Vineyard (Sta. Rita Hills)
John Sebastiano Vineyard is a dramatic hillside site on the very eastern edge of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. It is one of the coolest sites planted to Rhone varieties in all of California, and we have been buying fruit by the acre here since its first leaf. The Syrah here enjoys an extraordinarily long cool growing season, and these grapes benefit from long hang time without the development of excess sugars or overripe elements and plenty of acid and tannin. We source fruit from 4 separate Syrah blocks, each with different aspect, slope and clone/rootstock combination; the result being additional aromatic and flavor complexity. This remarkably expressive wine demonstrates a cooler, blue and black fruit style, with lots of spices, and fantastic length. This wine was not produced in 2015. WINE CLUB EXCLUSIVE. Only 240 cases produced.
GRENACHE
2016 Grenache, John Sebastiano Vineyard (Sta. Rita Hills)
Our John Sebastiano Vineyard Grenache grows on a steep, southeast facing hillside of fascinating diversity. On the eastern edge, the block is almost pure sand, while as one moves to the west, there is heavier clay loam mixed with the sand. Moving west the block contains longer rows which start at higher elevation and extend to lower elevation than the eastern rows. As a result, we pick this block in several different passes, sometimes as much as two weeks apart. Due to the cool western location and steep windy aspect, this block enjoys a long cool growing season, giving excellent aroma and flavor compounds at lower sugars, with solid acidity. We ferment the grapes from each pick with differing percentages of whole clusters based upon fruit and stem character of each section. The sandier sections tend to give smaller clusters with more high-toned aromatics, and good spicy stems. The more heavily clay sections provide weight, structure and depth. We blend the diverse wines from these sections to make a finished wine that is typically cool, energetic and mineral-laden, with high toned red and black fruits, and great aromatics. Extremely Limited. Only 220 cases produced.
Whites
SAUVIGNON BLANC
2016 Sauvignon Blanc, Grassini Family Vineyard (Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara)
Grassini is an exceptional vineyard located upon small hills and river benches of well drained, super fine clay loam soils and serpentinite in the southern part of Happy Canyon. The vineyard is meticulously managed and farmed to our specifications for low yields and high quality. We source fruit from three distinct blocks and harvest, press and ferment them separately in a mixture of French oak barrels and stainless steel. This single vineyard wine was crafted from our favorite barrels which were given extended aging. Fermented and aged in 75% oak (5% new) and 25% stainless steel, the wine developed kaleidoscopic aromas and flavors, from peach, honeydew, kiwi fruit, granny smith apple, pineapple and fresh coconut, to stony mineral notes of granite, graphite, and a touch of sea shell, to fresh herbs (thyme, basil) and spices (nutmeg, clove). WINE CLUB EXCLUSIVE. Only 180 cases produced.
2016 Sauvignon Blanc, Vogelzang Vineyard (Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara)
Vogelzang is situated on a gently sloping bed of well drained, gravelly loam soil with serpentinite in the heart of Happy Canyon. We’ve leased several acres here for a decade now, taking full responsibility for pruning choices, canopy and crop management and deficit-irrigation strategies. Fruit from Vogelzang is of the highest possible quality, meticulously farmed for low yields. We harvest these blocks in multiple passes to ensure ideal ripeness levels. The wine is immediately whole cluster pressed, briefly settled and then transferred to French oak barrels of varying sizes (228L, 350L, 500L, 276L “cigars”), 12% new, for fermentation and aging. After one year in barrel, the wine is racked to tank where it harmonizes for approximately 7 months before bottling.
The 2015 version of this wine was the second highest scoring 2015 Sauvignon Blanc (worldwide) in the Wine Spectator. Extremely Limited. Only 235 cases produced.
CHARDONNAY
2016 Chardonnay, Rita’s Crown Vineyard. (Sta. Rita Hills)
Rita’s Crown is a spectacular vineyard at some of the highest elevations in the Santa Rita Hills. Located right above the historic Mount Carmel monastery, our Chardonnay block is incredibly steep and windswept. The block faces south/southwest and has an incredible view of much of the notable, even famous vineyards along Santa Rosa Road. Up here, one feels a certain indescribable timelessness. Soils here are sand and clay loam, with large deposits of diatomaceous earth, giving the sand a ghostly white color and reflecting heat off the ground. The winds are constant and strong, with a feeling of saltiness from the nearby ocean and a decided marine chill. Chardonnay from the site struggles to grow, though we have been able to coax a reasonable canopy and a small yield of intensely flavored grapes. A strong sensation of minerals and chalk seems to permeate the resulting wines, despite their intense tropical and stone fruits and laser-like acidity. The wines are dramatic and expressive here, with a tremendously long finish.
The 2016 wine was harvested in two separate passes and each fermented separately in French oak barrels, 20% new. The resulting wine went through partial malolactic fermentation in barrel and was then aged for 17 months on its lees, without stirring, before selection, blending and bottling. Extremely Limited. Only 290 cases produced.
2016 Chardonnay, Duvarita Vineyard (Santa Barbara County)
In addition to fantastic Pinot Noir, the biodynamic Duvarita Vineyard grows intense yet balanced Chardonnay from its gentle slopes of sandy soils further down the hill. Wines here are medium bodied and elegant, with a stony minerality and a remarkable depth of flavor. These wines evolve slowly and will absolutely repay bottle aging (under appropriate storage conditions).
2016 saw a small crop which was individually harvested in the cool morning hours, with field sorting. We gently pressed the whole clusters, settled the juice overnight and then transferred the juice directly to barrels for fermentation and aging, with partial malolactic fermentation occurring spontaneously in barrel. The resulting wine is aged for 18 months on its lees without stirring, before selection, blending and bottling. We love the balance and texture of this wine. Extremely Limited. Only 200 cases produced.
Place your orders soon, quantities are severely limited for most wines.
Cheers
John, Steve, Brandon and the entire Dragonette Cellars team
2018 Spring Release
We are pleased to announce the Spring 2018 release of new wines. This exciting release includes the following low production, handcrafted wines:
Pinot Noirs
2015 Pinot Noir Duvarita Vineyard
2015 Pinot Noir, Fiddlestix Vineyard
2015 Pinot Noir Black Label (Wine Club Only/Sold Out)
Grenache
2015 Grenache John Sebastiano Vineyard (Wine Club Only/Sold Out)
Syrah
2015 Seven
2014 MJM
Chardonnay
2016 Chardonnay, Sta. Rita Hills (New Wine)
Sauvignon Blanc
2015 Sauvignon Blanc Grassini Vineyard
2015 Sauvignon Blanc Vogelzang Vineyard (Wine Club Only/Sold Out)
Rose
2017 Rosé, Happy Canyon
Wine Club Members – This Spring Release does not affect your current wine club allocation. You have already received the 2014 MJM, 2015 Pinot Noir Fiddelstix Vineyard and the 2015 Sauvignon Blanc Grassini Vineyard in the Winter 2018 Shipment. You will receive the fully allocated 2015 Black Label Pinot Noir and 2015 Sauvignon Blanc Vogelzang Vineyard and the 2015 Seven in the Spring 2018 Shipment in April/May 2018.
The 2015 Vintage was highly successful quality wise, yet the quantities were extremely low. Thus, supplies of these wines are far below those of prior vintages. Additionally, the growth in the wine club since last year means that only a small number of cases of most of these wines are available for purchase.
2015 was the last year of a historic five-year drought, which combined with significant shatter due to poor weather during set, kept yields extremely low. What little fruit was on the vine however, benefitted from a warm, but not overly hot vintage, allowing for full ripeness at good acid levels. The resulting wines are some of the most concentrated wines we have seen in our fifteen years of production, yet they retain balance and energy from good structure as well. They should age easily into their second decade and beyond.
Details- This offer will remain open until April 1, 2018. Allocations will be made in the order received, based upon wine club membership level and order history. Place your orders before the closing date, and we will attempt to fill those orders based upon available stock. Orders will ship during the week of April 15, 2018, weather permitting.
The Wines
Pinot Noirs
2015 Pinot Noir, Fiddlestix Vineyard (Sta. Rita Hills)
Fiddlestix is a renowned vineyard at the cool western edge of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. The early morning fog and cool afternoon breezes provide Pinot Noir with a long, even growing season, which allows full phenolic maturity at reasonable sugar levels. We obtain fruit from five separate blocks (five different clones) throughout the vineyard, and each is individually monitored, harvested, fermented, barreled, and aged. Each clone contributes complexity to the final blend, as does the selective use of whole cluster fermentation on selected lots (13% of the blend). The wine was aged for 20 months in French oak barrels (21% new). Extremely Limited. Only 330 cases produced. The 2014 version of this wine was rated 92+ points by Jeb Dunnuck and 91 points from Antonio Galloni.
2015 Pinot Noir, Duvarita Vineyard (Santa Barbara County)
Duvarita Vineyard, just west of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation lies on south-facing slopes of almost pure sand. The grapes here are farmed biodynamically. The low vigor soils, small canopy and a low fruit zone combine to make this one of the lowest yielding and earliest ripening vineyards we farm. The small clusters here give wines that are lean and elegant, with terrific intensity, minerality and a remarkable depth of flavor even at lower alcohol levels.
2015 was an excellent vintage at Duvarita, perhaps the most concentrated ever, and the wines will absolutely repay aging. The wine was aged on its lees for 16 months in French oak barrels (17% new). The wine has great volume and depth and is, at this point, only hinting at its usual kaleidoscopic aromatics, which are certain to unfold with time. We recently received word that the 2015 Duvarita will receive 95 points in the Wine Enthusiast, and with supplies extremely low, you should secure some without delay. Extremely Limited. Only 140 cases produced.
2015 Pinot Noir, Black Label (Sta. Rita Hills) – Wine Club Only/Sold Out
Our “Black Label” Pinot Noir is our most exclusive wine and is reserved for wine club members only. The Black Label Pinot Noir is a reserve tier blend of our favorite barrels of Pinot Noir from the vintage. Stylistically, this is the boldest, most dramatic Pinot Noir in our portfolio. We select individual barrels for their complexity, intensity, structure and velvety mouthfeel. This wine typically contains the highest percentage of new oak barrels and will be the most long lived of our Pinot Noirs.
In 2015, the wine was comprised of Radian Vineyard (55%), Fiddlestix (27%) and La Encantada (18%). Four different clones were utilized at Radian (114, 115, 667, 777) along with three at Fiddlestix (113, 115, 777) and one at La Encantada (667) adding depth and complexity. The wine was aged for 20 months in French oak barrels (55% new). This wine is always well received by the critics, and although the 2015 has not been reviewed yet, the 2014 version of the Black Label received exceptional reviews, garnering 94 points from Jeb Dunnuck and 93 Points from Vinous Media. Wine Club Exclusive. Only 260 cases made.
Grenache
2015 Grenache, John Sebastiano Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley – Wine Club Only/Sold Out
John Sebastiano Vineyard is a dramatic hillside site, which lies on the eastern edge of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation (the TTB recently amended the SRH to include all of JSV in the appellation as of the 2016 vintage). It is one of the coolest sites planted to Rhone varieties in all of California. Our Grenache grows on a steep, southeast facing hillside of fascinating diversity. On the eastern edge, the block is almost pure sand, while as one moves to the west, there is heavier clay loam mixed with the sand. Moving west the block contains longer rows which start at higher elevation and extend to lower elevation than the eastern rows. As a result, we pick this block in several different passes, sometimes as much as two weeks apart. Due to the cool western location and steep windy aspect, this block enjoys a long cool growing season, giving excellent aroma and flavor compounds at lower sugars, with solid acidity.
We ferment the grapes from each pick with differing percentages of whole clusters based upon fruit and stem character of each section. The sandier sections tend to give smaller clusters with more high-toned aromatics, and good spicy stems. The more heavily clay sections provide weight, structure and depth. We blend the diverse wines from these sections to make a finished wine that is typically cool, energetic and mineral-laden, with high toned red and black fruits, and great aromatics. The 2015 vintage was easily the most concentrated and deeply intense wines from this terrific site, and we know it will repay aging over the medium term. The wine still retains freshness and a serious tannic spine, and it will age well for at least 10 years. Vinous Media (Galloni) scored the 2014 93+ Points. Only 125 cases produced; this is a Wine Club Exclusive.
Syrah
2015 Seven, Santa Ynez Valley (Syrah Blend)
Seven is our Syrah-based blend, originally named for the seven exceptional cool climate vineyard sites from which it was comprised. We have refined our vineyard sources for this wine over the years, selecting precise blocks and clones to increase aromatic and flavor complexity, rather than sheer fruit power. The 2015 Seven is comprised of 93% Syrah, 6% Grenache and 1% co-fermented Viognier. The wine is sourced from Stolpman Vineyard (40%), Kimsey (40%) and John Sebastiano Vineyard (20%). The wine was aged in neutral oak barrels and puncheons for 20 months before blending and bottling.
We are thrilled with the performance of this wine, as it is already beginning to show off explosive, complex aromatics (red, blue and black fruits, spices and meats), a rich, yet lifted palate, smooth texture and a scintillatingly long finish for such a young wine. We expect this wine to continue to develop over the coming years and to last for well over a decade. Limited. Only 350 cases produced. Early reviews are spectacular, including a 92 in the Connoisseurs’ Guide, with more to come.
2014 MJM Santa Ynez Valley (Syrah Blend)
Our signature Syrah, named in honor of our wives Mitchi, Jen and Michelle, this wine is a selection of our favorite barrels of Syrah, blended with small amounts of Grenache and Viognier, and then given extended barrel aging as dictated by the vintage character of the wine.
In 2014 this wine was selected from multiple blocks at four great vineyards: John Sebastiano (40%), Stolpman (25%), Harrison Clarke (20%), and Thompson (15%). After selection and blending, the wine was put back to barrel and ultimately aged 27 months in oak barrels (25% new).
We are thrilled with the 2014 MJM which is ripe and juicy yet retains a note of freshness and lift from natural acidity and ripe tannic structure. Signature cool climate Syrah notes of black and red fruits, spices and meat notes are intermingled amongst the sturdy structure. Approachable now, this wine will easily age for 10-15 years.
The 2014 MJM is already getting critical acclaim with a fantastic review and 93 point score in the Connoisseurs’ Guide, with others certain to come (the 2013 MJM was a 95 and cellar selection in the Wine Enthusiast).
Chardonnay
2016 Chardonnay, Sta. Rita Hills
A new wine from the Dragonette Cellars team, the 2016 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills is crafted much in the same manner as the Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir. We source fruit from committed growers from multiple exceptional sites across the Sta. Rita Hills appellation, each with its own terroir, and then blend these wines to achieve great complexity and balance. From a stylistic perspective, the wine is decidedly cool climate, with beautiful mouth filling flavors hoisted and held aloft by terrific mineral-laden acidity. The overall package is perfectly balanced to encourage continued sipping, and ultimately bottle aging for the rest of your bottles.
Grape sources are all organic or biodynamic and include Spear, Donnachadh (formerly Stowaway) Radian, Duvarita, and Rita’s Crown. We chose multiple blocks and clones at each vineyard, and individually harvested each block in the cool morning hours, with field sorting. We gently pressed the whole clusters, settle the juice overnight and then transfer the juice directly to barrels for fermentation and aging, with partial malolactic fermentation occurring spontaneously in barrel. The resulting wine is aged for 15 months on its lees without stirring, before selection, blending and bottling.
We love the complexity and energy of this wine, which represents a true cross section of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. A tiny production, this wine will likely not leave California. Very Limited. Only 325 cases produced.
Sauvignon Blanc
2015 Sauvignon Blanc, Vogelzang Vineyard – Wine Club Only/Sold Out
Vogelzang is situated on a gently sloping bed of well drained, gravelly loam soil with serpentinite in the heart of Happy Canyon. We’ve leased several acres here for a decade now, taking full responsibility for pruning choices, canopy and crop management and deficit-irrigation strategies. Fruit from Vogelzang is of the highest possible quality, with yield goals of about three tons per acre, and harvests in multiple passes across the blocks to ensure ideal ripeness levels. The wine is immediately whole cluster pressed, briefly settled and then transferred to oak barrels of varying sizes (228L, 350L, 500L, 276L “cigars”), a small portion of which is new oak, for fermentation and aging. After one year in barrel, the wine is racked to tank where it harmonizes for approximately 4 months before bottling.
In 2015, the grapes were extremely low yielding due to set issues and the lingering multi year drought, and the wines are intensely concentrated; showing great depth, even at solid acidity levels. The wine is rich but precise, with tropical fruits balanced by spices, hints of fresh herbs and intense, stony minerality. This is very serious wine that will age extremely well, yet it is already capable of providing great pleasure. The wine is a worthy successor to the 2014 version, which was one of the highest scoring Sauvignon Blancs of the year (93 Points; Two Puffs) in Connoisseurs’ Guide and 90 points from Robert Parker and Jeb Dunnuck. The 2015 wine is SOLD OUT, as it is a Wine Club Exclusive. Only 200 cases produced.
2015 Sauvignon Blanc, Grassini Family Vineyard.
Grassini is an exceptional vineyard located upon small hills and river benches of well drained, super fine clay loam soils and serpentinite in the southern part of Happy Canyon. The vineyard is meticulously managed and farmed to our specifications for low yields and high quality. We source fruit from three distinct blocks and harvest, press and ferment them separately in a mixture of French oak barrels and stainless steel. This single vineyard wine was crafted from our favorite barrels which were given extended aging. Fermented and aged in 85% oak (12% new) and 15% stainless steel, the wine developed kaleidoscopic aromas and flavors, from peach, honeydew, kiwi fruit, granny smith apple, pineapple and fresh coconut, to stony mineral notes of granite, graphite, and a touch of sea shell, to fresh herbs (thyme, basil) and spices (nutmeg, clove). Extremely limited. Only 200 cases produced.The 2014 vintage of this wine received 92 points from Antonio Galloni’s Vinous and Jeb Dunnuck’s JebDunnuck.com.
2017 Rosé, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara
2017 saw the first wet vintage in some time, with deluges in January and February that flooded Northern California, while dumping a good 25 inches on us in Santa Barbara. Despite the rain, we did not have excess vigor as spring was cooler than normal, punctuated by poor weather at set, leading to a smaller than average crop. Summer was warm, even hot at times in Happy Canyon, and was punctuated by a massive heat spike over Labor Day weekend. Our Grenache was picked before the heat, giving us good ripeness, yet plenty of acid to provide structure and lift. The 2016 vintage of this wine received 91 points from Joshua Raynolds of Vinous Media.
The 2017 Rosé is highly flavorful, with strawberry, raspberry and watermelon notes, filling the mouth until a whipsaw of mineral and citrus laced acids. It is a tad more substantial than the 2016, yet with plenty of juicy acids and great energy. The Rosé pairs with all manner of food, from appetizers and olives to seafood and vegetables. This wine will be a great accompaniment to sunshine as well. Enjoy!
In Conclusion
Please enjoy these wines in happiness and health. And do join our wine club so that you can gain access to the wine club exclusive wines and special events. Call the Tasting Room at 805-693-0077 for details or go online at www.dragonettecellars.com.
As always, we thank you for your continued support,
John, Steve, Brandon and the entire Dragonette Cellars Team
2017 Fall Release
2017 Spring Release
Hello everyone from the team at Dragonette Cellars. We hope you are all in good health and great spirits. It is time for our early spring release of new wines, including the fabulous 2013 MJM, and some great new whites, headlined by the 2015 Chardonnay Duvarita, the terrific 2015 Happy Canyon Sauvignon Blanc and the new 2016 Rosé.
Note to Wine Club Members: This is the Spring mailing list release and not your Spring wine club allocation. Your Spring wine club shipment will include the 2015 Chardonnay Duvarita (2014 version received 93 points in the Wine Enthusiast) from this release but will also include 2014 Pinot Noir Black Label (worthy successor to the Parker 95 point rated 2013) and 2014 Seven (93 Points and Editor’s Choice in the Wine Enthusiast). Your Spring shipment will begin shipping the week of April 17, weather permitting. Additional Note: Neither the Happy Canyon Sauvignon Blanc nor the Rosé will be in a club shipment. Although delicious and worthy, we decided that the wine club receive the smallest production, most highly allocated wines, and there are too few spots for everything. To add these and other bottles to your shipment, order online before March 27.
News
As you have undoubtedly heard (or witnessed), nearly the entire state of California has endured a historically wet, happily drought-busting winter. The north coast was completely soaked and even devastated in parts, and the Sierra Nevada now has the largest snowpack in many decades. Santa Barbara County received far less rain than the north, but we did see some particularly heavy storms, one of which dumped 7 inches of rain on us in one day (we had about that much all of last year). Our local reservoir, Lake Cachuma, went from disastrously dry (7% capacity) to nearly half full in a matter of a couple weeks. All this rain bodes well for the upcoming season, as soil salts have been washed away, and the soil charged with a decent profile of water for the early season at least. The vines should have plenty of pre-season energy for a change.
As for the scenery – it is magnificent. The hills have turned sumptuously green, and we expect an avalanche of flowers soon. We have clear, cool, unendingly blue skies and blindingly brilliant sunshine providing just the perfect amount of warmth. We suggest a visit.
In the cellar, we have been blending and bottling, and we can now announce the release of several new wines, including the always sought-after and fought-over (dry) Rosé, the 2015 Sauvignon Blanc Happy Canyon, and the 2015 Chardonnay Duvarita Vineyard. As we start to warm up and move into Spring, these wines will be terrific accompaniments to warmer weather and nature’s spring bounty of vegetables. In addition, we are ready to release our iconic MJM Syrah blend from the fantastic 2013 vintage, which has already been garnering praise and high scores, with more certain to come.
Finally, we have received a bevy of good press on already released, low inventory wines and wanted to share those before the wines sold out. In particular, look for the 2014 single vineyard Sauvignon Blancs (Grassini and Vogelzang) and the Pinot Noir from John Sebastiano Vineyard.
Announcing the New Releases
The Spring release is now open! Spring release closes on March 30, so order by then to secure your order. Quantities of all of the Spring Releases are low (in some cases historically low), so act fast to secure your bottles before they are gone.
2013 MJM Santa Ynez Valley
Our signature Syrah, named in honor of our wives Mitchi, Jen and Michelle, this wine is a selection of our favorite barrels of Syrah, blended with small amounts of Grenache and Viognier, and then given extended barrel aging as dictated by the vintage character of the wine. In 2013, the MJM was painstakingly selected from the top lots of John Sebastiano Vineyard (55%), Stolpman (25%), Thompson (15%) and Harrison Clarke (5%) and was aged for 27 months in oak barrels (30% new) before bottling without filtration. We are thrilled with the 2013 MJM which is ripe, juicy and penetrating, with great big dark fruit flavors, tons of spice and meat notes and a big tannic spine completely buried in fresh fruit goodness. Already approachable now, this wine will easily age for 15 years. You’ll also love the impressive new label and bottle, befitting this special wine.
The 2013 MJM is already getting critical acclaim. The Wine Enthusiast has announced that in its June 2017 issue MJM will be honored with 95 Points and will be a ”Cellar Selection.” We have two other excellent reviews with notes as well. The venerable Connoisseur’s Guide to California Wine, gives 2013 MJM 93 points and two puffs, stating:
“Very ripe and very complex with a full complement of gamy Syrah spice and herbs indivisibly tied to its very generous, sweet berry fruit, Dragonette’s MJM is a weighty and positively mouthfilling wine that bears the indelible stamp of high ripeness, yet it is so deep and tasty that its flirtations with excess are easy to overlook. Although it is showy stuff with the kind of obvious richness that is bound to tempt early drinking, it is certain to gain in polish with age, and three to five years of waiting will be handsomely repaid. 93 Points.” (March 2017 Issue).
Finally, the Wine Spectator gives MJM a solid 91 Points and writes, “Dark and deeply structured, with ripe blueberry, bittersweet chocolate and espresso aromas to the flavors of smoky dark plum, licorice and pepper. Drink now through 2027.”
2015 Chardonnay, Duvarita Vineyard
As much as we loved the 2014 version of the Duvarita Vineyard Chardonnay, the 2015 is simply superior. There is more of everything; deep concentrated fruit, great integration, expressiveness, length and ageing potential. We know you will love it.
Duvarita Vineyard, just west of the Santa Rita Hills appellation lies on south-facing slopes of almost pure sand. The grapes here are farmed biodynamically. The low vigor soils, small canopy and a low fruit zone combine to make this one of the earliest ripening vineyards we farm. The small clusters here give wines that are lean and elegant, with terrific intensity and minerality. In 2015 we fermented the wine entirely in a combination of barriques and 350 litre French oak barrels, 20% new. The wine was aged on its lees for 15 months before blending, a gentle cross flow filtration and bottling with minimal sulfur. Rich and concentrated, the wine shows tropical yellow fruits, stone fruits and melon, interspersed with floral notes (white flowers, orange blossom) and some well-integrated wood spice, and energy and lift from ample acidity and aromas of stones and graphite. Very young, this wine is starting to open up, but will age for many, many years. Extremely Limited. Only 250 cases produced, almost all of which will go to the wine club. The 2014 version received 93 points in the Wine Enthusiast.
2015 Sauvignon Blanc, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara
2015 will be forever known as the great drought year; the last in a historically dry five-year period. Due to early warmth, 2015 had an extremely early budbreak, and although we avoided frosts, we had cool windy weather in May, resulting in very poor set, with fewer and smaller clusters. After mid-June, we had constant warm to hot temperatures up until harvest which commenced as early as the end of July. Soil toxicity (from salt buildup) and this poor set led to extremely low yields; in fact, the lowest we have seen. What fruit was on the vines, however, received all of the plants’ energy, resulting in deep, concentrated and remarkably flavorful wines. 2015 is proving to be a great vintage for quality, though there is not much to go around.
The 2015 is a 50/50 blend of grapes from Grassini and Vogelzang Vineyards, and it was aged on its lees for 8 months in 70% neutral oak barrels and 30% stainless steel. The wine has perhaps the most concentration and mouthfeel of this blend ever. It should pair terrifically with all manner of seafood, shellfish, and boldly flavored vegetables, as well as poultry and even lighter pork dishes, and it will certainly age well for 7-10 years.
The press on this wine has already been good, with 91 points in the Connoisseur’s Guide to California Wine (January 2017) which writes:
“91 Points (two puffs) There is nothing “conventional” about Dragonette’s Sauvignon Blancs, but this one comes a bit closer to convention in terms of its more obvious herbal components and its slightly less weighty manner. That said, it is still a deep and fairly complex version that hits the mark for both balance and very keen varietal focus, and, depending on what is for dinner, it just might get the nod over its two bigger, more lavish mates.”
The wine also received 90 points in the Wine Enthusiast (May 2017 Issue).
2016 Rosé, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara
2016 was another in a string of terrific vintages. A small burst of concentrated rain in February helped clear out some of the salts in the soil and prepare the vines for a good growing season. We had another early budbreak and perfect weather during set, allowing for a strong, balanced crop. May, June and July were quite warm and ripening was fairly quick and almost too easy. It was looking like another record early harvest until the coolest August anyone could remember slowed the vines considerably. The grapes slowly and evenly ripened throughout the August and early to mid-September with no heat spikes or other vine stressing events to cause rapid loss of acidity, and we harvested our blocks at almost perfect ripeness. The Grenache for Rosé was in perfect health, and we emphasized that grape in 2016, aided by a small amount of Mourvedre and a tiny bit of Syrah. The final numbers were 88% Grenache, 8% Mourvedre, and 4% Syrah.
This year’s Rosé is bright and flavorful, with energetic strawberry and watermelon notes, lifted by citrusy yet round acids. The Rosé pairs beautifully with all sorts of dishes, from appetizers, to mildly spicy foods, and everything in between. The excitement is already building for the 2016, which was featured in numerous top restaurants and was quickly sold out. Get some soon!
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Other New Reviews
2014 Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blancs
We are down to the last few cases of our 2014 single vineyard Sauvignon Blancs. With almost a year in bottle, these wines are really starting to strut their stuff. Keep in mind that “scores” of Sauvignon Blanc typically are seriously undervalued when compared to the reviews of Chardonnay. We don’t think it is fair, but a 93 on a Sauvignon Blanc is akin to a 97 or 98 for a Chardonnay. Indeed, these wines are among the highest rated Sauvignon Blancs in the entire country. They will not last long, so don’t miss them!
2014 Sauvignon Blanc, Vogelzang Vineyard – 93 Points (Two Puffs) in Connoisseur’s Guide to California Wine, January 2017
Dragonette’s versions are always among the richer Sauvignon Blancs to be had, and this year’s edition from the Vogelzang Vineyard is as deep and well-filled as any around. It leads with layered, ever so slightly honeyed aromas of ripe melons, figs and sweet oak with accents of dried hay and grass providing an indelible varietal stamp, and it is both mouthfilling and beautifully structured with continuous, very rich flavors that follow through on the promised complexity of the nose. It is a wine that wants drinking with appropriately flavorful foods, and it is put together in a way that suggests that it will age famously and grow for years.
2014 Sauvignon Blanc, Grassini Vineyard – 91 Points (Two Puffs) in Connoisseur’s Guide to California Wine, January 2017:
From its full-volume aromas to its ripe and juicy, melon-and-fig flavors, this ample offering is generously decked out with oak and heads in a different direction than its more acutely grassy cousins. It recalls Chardonnay by way of is tactile weight and slightly oily feel, and, if it arguably wanders a bit off the classic varietal track, it is a compelling wine of marvelous richness, range and depth.
2014 Pinot Noir John Sebastiano Vineyard – 93 Points and Editors Choice (Wine Enthusiast, June 2017). Also received 90 points and a glowing review from the Connoisseur’s Guide:
“Nicely married elements of cherries, strawberries and gentle sweet spice hold sway in the well-defined nose and moderately deep flavors of this one, and, while far from being a flamboyant wine, it is a carefully constructed, very well-polished Pinot Noir that stays in very fine focus throughout. Its lack of any obvious tactile angles and edges allows for easy drinking with no need of additional age, but its balance and keen composition are harbingers of good things to come if its early charms can be resisted for a few years.”
2014 Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills – 92 points Wine Enthusiast (June 2017)
2014 Seven (Syrah) – 93 Points and Editor’s Choice (Wine Enthusiast, June 2017 Issue). The wine also received 91 Points in the Wine Spectator, with this note: “Elegantly complex and well-defined, with raspberry and pomegranate aromas and smoky accents that lead to lively flavors of orange zest, fruitcake spice and loamy white pepper. Drink now through 2026.” (Web Review 2017)
2014 Syrah John Sebastiano Vineyard – 94 points, Editor’s Choice Wine Enthusiast (May 2017), 91 Points Wine Spectator, 90 Points Connoisseur’s Guide.
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In Conclusion
As you know, we launched this journey with the goal of sourcing grapes from committed growers in the best sites, carefully farming each block for maximum grape quality and then crafting each wine, whether a blend or a single vineyard wine for the highest possible aromatic and flavor complexity, balance and expressiveness. We have used our past wine world experience of what is “great” to guide us in our quest to make our own wines great. Thus, we seek to maximize the potential for greatness that we see in Santa Barbara, and it is gratifying to receive confirmation of the results in the accolades of the press. Still, we are ever mindful that it is you that are our most important tasters and customers, and we are especially pleased that you have responded so enthusiastically to our work. Please do enjoy these new releases with family and friends, hopefully over a fantastic meal. Remember that these wines are very limited and will go fast.
Cheers!
John, Steve, Brandon and the Dragonette Cellars Team
2016 Fall Release
As harvest winds down, the wines are topped up in barrel, and the weather turns cool enough for wine shipping, we are pleased to announce the Fall 2016 Release of new wines. This exciting release includes the following low production, handcrafted wines:
Pinot Noirs
2014 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills
2014 Pinot Noir, Fiddlestix Vineyard (6 bottle limit)
2014 Pinot Noir, Duvarita Vineyard (6 bottle limit)
2014 Pinot Noir, John Sebastiano Vineyard (6 bottle limit)
2014 Pinot Noir, Black Label (6 bottle limit)
Syrahs
2014 Seven (Syrah Blend)
2014 Syrah, John Sebastiano Vineyard. (Wine Club Exclusive; Orders of up to 6 bottles may be filled if stock remains)
Sauvignon Blancs
2014 Sauvignon Blanc Vogelzang Vineyard
Wine Club Members – This is the general Fall Release; it does not affect your current wine club allocation. You have already received the 2014 Syrah, John Sebastiano Vineyard in the Fall 2016 Shipment and red-only members will also be receiving the 2014 Pinot Noir, John Sebastiano Vineyard. Upcoming shipments will include the 2014 Pinot Noir Black Label, the 2014 Pinot Noir Fiddlestix Vineyard and 2014 Sauvignon Blanc Vogelzang Vineyard. Shipping club members wishing to add on to their Fall shipment with any of these wines please respond by Wednesday, Oct 19.
We are excited to make these wines available to you. The 2013 versions of each of these wines were extremely successful, selling quickly and garnering high praise from critics. We believe that the 2014 versions of these wines are worthy successors, as the warm (but not overly hot) 2014 vintage provided excellent quality grapes, high in flavor and personality, but reasonable in sugars, with plenty of supporting acid. The resulting wines display good depth and concentration, terrific aromatics and silky texture, aided by a remarkable freshness that lifts and extends the ripe, complex flavors. Don’t wait for the scores or you will miss out on these terrific wines.
Details- This offer will remain open until November 4, 2016. Allocations will be made in the order received, based upon wine club membership level and order history. Place your orders before the closing date, and we will attempt to fill those orders based upon available stock. Orders will ship during the week of November 7, weather permitting.
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The Wines
Pinot Noirs
2014 Pinot Noir, Black Label (Sta. Rita Hills) *Allocation: 6 bottles*
Our “Black Label” Pinot Noir represents a blend of our finest few barrels of Pinot Noir from the vintage. In 2014, the wine was comprised of select barrels from these top SRH vineyards: La Encantada (50%) John Sebastiano (17%), Radian (17%), Fiddlestix (8%) and Cargasacchi (8%). The wine was aged for 20 months in French oak barrels (25% new) and bottled without fining or filtration. Extremely Limited. Only 285 cases produced. The 2013 version of this wine was called “a sensational effort” and given 95 points by Jeb Dunnick in the Wine Advocate. Antonio Galloni called it “superb” and gave it 94 points.
2014 Pinot Noir, Fiddlestix Vineyard (Sta. Rita Hills) *Allocation: 6 bottles*
Fiddlestix is a renowned vineyard at the cool western edge of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. The early morning fog and cool afternoon breezes provide Pinot Noir with a long, even growing season, which allows full phenolic maturity at reasonable sugar levels. We obtain fruit from four separate blocks (four different clones) throughout the vineyard, and each is individually monitored, harvested, fermented, barreled, and aged. Each clone contributes complexity to the final blend, as does the selective use of whole cluster fermentation on selected lots (13% of the blend). The wine was aged for 20 months in French oak barrels (13% new) and bottled without filtration. Extremely Limited. Only 380 cases produced. The 2013 version of this wine was given 92 points by the Wine Advocate and 92+ points by Antonio Galloni.
2014 Pinot Noir, Duvarita Vineyard (Sta. Rita Hills) *Allocation: 6 bottles*
Duvarita vineyard is located in Santa Barbara County, west of the Sta. Rita Hills. The vineyard lies on gentle, south-facing slopes of almost pure sand. As of 2013, the vineyard has been farmed biodynamically. The low vigor soils, small canopy and a low fruit zone combine to make this one of the earliest ripening vineyards we farm. The small clusters here give wines that are lean and elegant, with terrific intensity, stony minerality, and a firm Pommard-like edge of red fruits, earth and herbs. The 2014 Duvarita Pinot Noir was aged for 18 months on the lees in French oak barrels, 10% new. Extremely Limited. Only 250 cases produced. The 2013 Duvarita Pinot received 93 points from Antonio Galloni and 92 from the Wine Advocate.
2014 Pinot Noir, John Sebastiano Vineyard (Sta. Rita Hills) *Allocation: 6 bottles*
John Sebastiano Vineyard is a dramatic, steep and windswept vineyard at the north-eastern edge of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. Pinot Noir is the most prevalent grape in the vineyard, which lies in numerous blocks with a tremendous variety of aspects and different clones. We chose Pommard clones at the north edge of the vineyard, where the soils contain a bit more loam to go with the ubiquitous sands, and where the abutting hillside provides some protection from the winds. Though JSV (as we call it) provides the backbone for our Sta. Rita Hills bottling, in 2014, a small group of 7 barrels stood out for their personality, expressiveness and pure yumminess, and we made this single vineyard wine. The 2014 John Sebastiano Pinot Noir was aged for 18 months on its lees in French oak barrels, 28% new. The wine is dramatically spiced, with tremendous fruit and terrific palate presence. It is Extremely Limited; only 165 cases produced.
2014 Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills
The SRH Pinot Noir is all about complexity and balance. From the inception of our winery we have believed that blending Pinot Noir from diverse vineyard blocks and sites would create a whole greater than the sum of its parts. Wines form the warmer parts of the SRH would provide dramatic fruits and baking spices, wines from the cooler portions would provide higher toned red fruits, fresh herbs, minerals and great acidity. Over the years we have selected vineyard sources for the purpose of crafting this wine, and in 2014 we blended grapes from 6 different vineyards to make this wine sing the song of the Santa Rita Hills – beautifully pure, fairly rich red fruits, excellent spices and big but beautiful structure. We carefully age the wines on their lees to limit movement and retain freshness and energy. In 2014 the wine was comprised of grapes from John Sebastiano (52%), La Encantada (20%), Cargasacchi (10%), Radian (8%), Fiddlestix (7%) and Duvarita (3%). The wine was aged for 15 months in French oak barrels (10% new). The wine is really about beauty, texture and freshness and it should even eclipse the 2013, which was called “rich, ample and enveloping, [but with] gorgeous aromatic lift” and given 92 points by Antonio Galloni and 90 points in the Wine Advocate.
Syrah
2014 Syrah, John Sebastiano Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley. *Wine Club Exclusive; Orders of up to 6 bottles will be filled if stock remains*
John Sebastiano Vineyard is a dramatic hillside site on the border of the Sta. Rita Hills and is one of the coolest sites planted to Rhone varietals in all of California. We farm two clones of Syrah at JSV; the own rooted 383 is located at the very top of the vineyard, on a steep, south facing hillside of clay loam, and clone 470 on east facing slopes at the northern edge of the vineyard. Due to the cool western location and steep windy aspect, this block enjoys a long cool growing season, giving excellent aroma and flavor compounds. The wines here are cool, energetic and mineral-laden, with high toned red and black fruits, with great aromatics. This wine has been showing well already, with amazing depth and complexity, though it has the stuffing to evolve for 10-12+ years. Extremely Limited. Only 205 cases produced, most of which has already been allocated to the wine club. Only 25 cases remain for this release. The 2013 version of this wine was called “flat out fantastic” and “seriously impressive” by Jeb Dunnick in the Wine Advocate who bestowed 95 points on it. It also received 91 points from Antonio Galloni.
2014 Seven, Central Coast (88% Syrah, 11% Grenache, 1% Viognier)
Seven is our Syrah-based blend, originally named for the seven exceptional cool climate vineyard sites from which it was comprised. We have refined our vineyard sources for this wine over the years, selecting precise blocks and clones to increase aromatic and flavor complexity, rather than sheer fruit power. The 2014 Seven is comprised of 88% Syrah, 11% Grenache and 1% co-fermented Viognier. The Syrah portion is sourced from John Sebastiano Vineyard (55%); Stolpman Vineyard (15%), Harrison Clarke (15%) and Thompson Vineyard (15%). Grenache comes from Thompson and John Sebastiano Vineyards. The wine was aged in neutral oak barrels for 20 months and was bottled without filtration. We are thrilled with the performance of this wine, as it is already beginning to show off explosive, complex aromatics (red, blue and black fruits, spices and meats), a rich, yet weightless palate, with beautiful smooth texture and a scintillatingly long finish for such a young wine. We expect this wine to continue to develop over the coming years and to last for well over a decade. Limited. Only 570 cases produced. The 2013 Seven was lauded by the Wine Advocate, with a 93 point score, and received 91 points from Antonio Galloni.
Sauvignon Blanc
2014 Sauvignon Blanc, Vogelzang Vineyard (Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara)
One of the most dramatic, age worthy and consistently well reviewed sauvignon blancs in California, the Vogelzang Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc is our California interpretation of white Bordeaux. We use barrel fermentation and extended barrel aging to provide incredible depth, complexity and a rich texture for the wine, while maintaining its striking, soil-driven minerality and naturally solid acidity for structure. The wine is a reserve-level selection of our favorite lots of Vogelzang, aged for 12 months on its lees in 77% French oak barrels (12% new) and 23% stainless steel barrels. After a draconian selection, the resulting wine is blended and put back down to tank for an additional 6 months for harmonization and freshness. Only 330 cases made. The 2013 version of this wine received 93 points from Antonio Galloni and 92 points from the Connoisseur’s Guide.
Conclusion
We are proud to release these exciting new wines. Each one is handcrafted in small amounts, and they will disappear quickly. Don’t delay; give us a call at 805.693.0077 or go online to order now.
We hope you have a wonderful Fall season,
John, Steve, Brandon and the entire Dragonette Cellars Team
Dragonette Cellars 2016 Spring Release
The mere mention of the word “Spring” automatically triggers, in our minds, a vision of crisp, brilliant sunshine, grass-covered hills, cool afternoon breezes, and, ultimately, the sights and sounds of clinking glasses filled with pale, beautifully pink (actually, light orange with tinges of strawberry) wine. There is a grill…and there are friends, smiling. Smiles turn to laughter. The now-fading sunlight illuminates large swaths of fantastically shaped clouds upon which we gaze in rapt attention. It is cool, but lovely to be outside, at least for a while.
Of course, we cannot expect the perfect late afternoon Central-Coast-in-Spring setting every day or everywhere, but we can picture it and its ethereal, pure beauty. We think that good wine is a natural accompaniment to such reflections; an almost required “prop” in the idealized vision of Spring, and of enjoyment more generally.
Wine is a creature born of sunshine and the earth, and it represents (perhaps as well as anything) the bounty of Mother Nature. Wine pairs so well with the great foods we grow here on planet earth because it of the same firmament. Indeed, the Europeans regulate wine (and beer) as agriculture, not as “alcohol”. Good wine, lovingly made, is a food; a food which connects us to the earth and to each other. We share wine with family and friends, deepening the connections between us; we relax at the table, we converse and laugh and argue and interact with feeling, as humans were meant to do. Wine is a fulcrum around which pleasure can and should gently ebb and flow. Thus wine becomes a symbol of joy and happiness, and it helps us celebrate, on a daily basis, the riches that we obtain from nature.
We look forward to releasing new wines in Spring. Wines of freshness and youth. Wines that bring excitement today while promising great things for the future.
Here are the Spring releases from Dragonette Cellars. We hope they can inspire you and bring you joy.
Note to Wine Club Members: Your Spring wine club shipment will include the 2014 Chardonnay Duvarita from this general release, 2013 Pinot Noir Fiddlestix Vineyard and 2013 Seven. Your Spring shipment will begin shipping the week of May 2nd, weather permitting. ** Future shipments may include the Grassini Sauvignon Blanc and the Radian Pinot Noir, but likely those wines will be otherwise sold out. The Rosé will not be in the club, and will be very limited this year. We recommend ordering soon.
The New Releases
2015 Rosé, Happy Canyon. Well, it is Rosé time again! Here in Santa Barbara County we can always expect a day or two of beautiful sunshine even between the winter El Nino rainstorms which we have welcomed. But warm weather is absolutely not required for Rosé. This flavorful energetic and completely dry Rosé pairs beautifully with all sorts of dishes, from appetizers, to mildly spicy foods, and everything in between. We like to enjoy a glass with olives while we chop vegetables and fire up the grill for the main courses. The production numbers are down significantly in 2015, but the quality is terrific. We suggest stocking up as this wine has been selling out earlier and earlier each year. The excitement is already building for the 2015, a worthy successor to the last several vintages of Rosé, all of which have been featured in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times and San Francisco Chronicle among many other publications. 75% Grenache, 22 Mourvedre, 3% Syrah. Limited.
2014 Sauvignon Blanc, Grassini Family Vineyard. We are thrilled to welcome the Grassini Sauvignon Blanc back! Always one of the favorites, this wine always disappears quickly. Grassini is an exceptional vineyard located upon small hills and river benches of well drained, super fine clay loam soils and serpentinite. The vineyard is meticulously managed and farmed to our specifications for low yields and high quality. We source fruit from three distinct blocks and harvest, press and ferment them separately in a mixture of French oak barrels and stainless steel. This single vineyard wine was crafted from our favorite barrels which were given extended aging. Fermented and aged in 88% oak (10% new) and 12% stainless steel, the wine developed kaleidoscopic aromas and flavors, from peach, honeydew, kiwi fruit, granny smith apple, pineapple and fresh coconut, to stony mineral notes of granite, graphite, and a touch of sea shell, to fresh herbs (thyme, basil) and spices (nutmeg, clove). Extremely limited. Only 250 cases produced. The 2013 vintage of this wine received 93 points from the Connoisseurs’ Guide (one of its highest ratings for Sauvignon Blanc).
2014 Chardonnay, Duvarita Vineyard. Here it is. Our long-awaited and poorly-kept secret; the first Dragonette Cellars Chardonnay. As you all know, we made Chardonnay for another label for half a decade, farming and working with some of the finest vineyard sources around. In 2014, we decided to make Chardonnay for ourselves. This wine hails from Duvarita Vineyard, just west of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. The vineyard lies on gentle, south-facing slopes of almost pure sand. As of 2013, the vineyard has been farmed biodynamically, although it is not certified as of yet. The low vigor soils, small canopy and a low fruit zone combine to make this one of the earliest ripening vineyards we farm. The small clusters here give wines that are lean and elegant, with terrific intensity and minerality. We fermented this wine entirely in barrel, but only 12.5% new, so as to provide just a well-balanced kiss of vanilla and wood spice. Melon and yellow fruits are interspersed with floral notes (white flowers, orange blossom) and gentle spices, with energy and lift from ample acidity and exceptional stone, sand and iron-ore-laced minerality. Very young, this wine is starting to open up, but will age for many, many years. Extremely Limited. Only 180 cases produced, almost all of which will go to the wine club.
2014 Pinot Noir, Radian Vineyard. This vineyard is rapidly rising to the forefront of great sources for Pinot Noir in Sta. Rita Hills. On the far western fringes of the Sta. Rita Hills, Radian sits on dramatically steep slopes with large amounts of diatomaceous earth in the soil. This extreme site is regularly buffeted by high winds, cooling the vineyard and robbing it of moisture. The vines here struggle to set fruit, and only a tiny crop of small clusters are able to ripen. The resulting wines are lean and intense, with a fascinating mineral streak and a remarkable depth of flavor even at low alcohol levels. In 2014, we sourced fruit from 5 different blocks, fermented the wines with native yeasts and aged the wine for 16 months on its lees. We carefully tasted all barrels and decided to craft a single vineyard wine from a few barrels from this unique, fascinating vineyard. Much like the 2013 Radian, this wine has intense chalky minerality, which is evident on the nose along with high toned, red fruits, some baking spices (nutmeg) and earth. It has terrific concentration, smooth texture, and energetic, yet pliant structure. This is a truly special place, and we seek to reflect its uniqueness in this singular wine. Very Limited, only 475 cases produced.
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Invitation to Visit
Our winter storms (more to come!) have turned our beautiful valley the most gorgeous shade of early season green. All Californians, it seems, have been thrilled and energized by the rain, the new growth, snow on the mountaintops (a huge Sierra snowpack!) and water in the rivers and streams. In between storms, we have enjoyed the usual central California sunshine, with occasionally warm (70s-80s) days. It is truly an excellent time to visit. A relatively short ride from LA/OC/SD or the Bay Area, and you are in a wine country paradise; not only beautiful, but overflowing with cutting-edge, world class wines. So come visit us in the tasting room in bucolic Los Olivos or make an appointment for a winery tour. Details are on the website.
We thank you for your continued support and look forward to seeing you soon,
Cheers!
John, Steve and Brandon and the Dragonette Cellars Team
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Dragonette Cellars Fall 2015 Release
Greetings from the Santa Ynez Valley:
For the first time ever, we write this release letter after the conclusion of the harvest. Thanks in large part to extreme drought conditions and poor set, the 2015 harvest has gone down in history as the earliest and lightest yielding harvest we have ever experienced. Quality, however, appears excellent, and we are excited to watch these wines evolve over the next year and a half.
Back to the present. Now that we have fulfilled our fall wine club allocations, we are pleased to announce the release of our fall wines for 2015. This release is a special one for us, as it includes our Black Label wines, the always excellent Pinot Noir from Fiddlestix and two new wines for us: a Cargasacchi Vineyard Pinot Noir, and our first ever single vineyard Syrah from the spectacular John Sebastiano Vineyard. It also includes the new 2013 Seven, the 2013 Grenache from John Sebastiano Vineyard, and the 2014 Sauvignon Blanc, Happy Canyon, which is already tasting great, with beautiful expressive fruits pairing with terrific energy and lift. We are excited at the quality of all these wines. Indeed, the 2013 reds are already opening up and tasting great; the vintage seems to be exuberantly expressive, with complex aromatics, brilliant fruit and round, juicy texture. They are not to be missed.
Offer Details
This offer will remain open until November 5, 2015. There are 6 bottle limits on the following wines:
2013 Pinot Noir, Black Label
2013 Pinot Noir, Cargasacchi Vineyard
2013 Syrah John Sebastiano Vineyard
2012 MJM
Allocations will be made based upon online orders. Place your orders before the closing date, and we will attempt to fill those orders based upon available stock. Orders will ship during the week of November 9, weather permitting.
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As we wrap up another successful harvest season and prepare to launch new vintage and new wines, we have much to be grateful for. In particular, we thank you for your continued support; it allows us to live our dream and inspires us to craft the finest wines for your table. Enjoy the wines!
The Wines
Pinot Noirs
2013 Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills, “Black Label” *Allocation: 6 bottles*
Our “Black Label” Pinot Noir represents a blend of our finest few barrels of Pinot Noir from the vintage. In 2013, we selected barrels from Fiddlestix, La Encantada, Radian, Bentrock and John Sebastiano, to create a wine worthy of the same black label we use for the MJM. The wine was aged for 20 months in French oak barrels (64% new) and bottled without fining or filtration. Extremely Limited. Only 225 cases produced.
2013 Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills, Fiddelstix Vineyard
Fiddlestix is a renowned vineyard at the cool western edge of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. The early morning fog and cool afternoon breezes provide Pinot Noir with a long, even growing season, which allows full phenolic maturity at reasonable sugar levels. We obtain fruit from four separate blocks (four different clones) throughout the vineyard, and each is individually monitored, harvested, fermented, barreled, and aged. Each clone contributes complexity to the final blend. The wine was aged for 20 months in French oak barrels (28% new) and bottled without filtration. Extremely Limited. Only 350 cases produced.
2013 Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills, Cargasacchi Vineyard” – *Allocation: 6 bottles*
In 2013, we found the lots from Cargasacchi Vineyard so distinct and unique that we decided to craft our first ever single vineyard wine from that vineyard. Cargasacchi Vineyard is located at the cool, western end of the Sta. Rita Hills, hidden in the hills near Sweeney Canyon. This mysterious, extraordinary vineyard is farmed by one the true characters (and true vignerons) of the valley, Peter Cargasacchi. Our section within the vineyard is small and typically yields tiny amounts of intensely flavored Pinot Noir. In 2013 we produced a whopping four barrels, aged them for 20 months in French oak barrels (25% new), and then bottled without fining or filtration. The wine has solid concentration and length, being held aloft by ripe tannins and fresh acidity and will age well over the medium term. Extremely Limited. Less than 100 cases produced.
Syrah/Grenache
2012 MJM (Syrah-based blend), Santa Ynez Valley – *Allocation: 6 bottles*
MJM is our signature, Syrah-based blend, named in honor of our wives and co-conspirators Mitchi, Jen and Michelle. This wine is a selection of our favorite barrels of Syrah, blended and then given extended barrel aging as dictated by the vintage character of the wine. Small amounts of Grenache and (co-fermented) Viognier are added for complexity. In 2012, the MJM was aged for 27 months in oak barrels (43% new) before bottling without filtration. Extremely Limited. It has the dark brooding character of 2012, yet it is also exuberant and expressive with waves of complex fruits and meat notes, and solid structure. We are thrilled with this wine, which will easily age for 15 years.
2013 Syrah, John Sebastiano Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley *Allocation 6 bottles*
John Sebastiano Vineyard is a dramatic hillside site on the border of the Sta. Rita Hills and is one of the coolest sites planted to Rhone varietals in all of California. We farm two clones of Syrah at JSV; the own rooted 383 is located at the very top of the vineyard, on a steep, south facing hillside of clay loam, and clone 470 on east facing slopes at the northern edge of the vineyard. Due to the cool western location and steep windy aspect, this block enjoys a long cool growing season, giving excellent aroma and flavor compounds. The wines here are cool, energetic and mineral-laden, with high toned red and black fruits, with great aromatics. This is the first single vineyard Syrah we have produced, as the signature JSV terroir was simply too interesting and expressive to be blended. Measured use of stem inclusion adds another dimension of interest and smoky, spicy intrigue. This wine has been showing well already, with amazing depth and complexity, though it has the stuffing to evolve for 10-12+ years. Extremely Limited. Only 180 cases produced.
2013 Seven, Santa Barbara County (89% Syrah, 8% Grenache, 2% Mourvedre, 1% Viognier)
Seven is our Syrah-based blend, originally named for the seven exceptional cool climate vineyard sites from which it was comprised. We have worked with each of these vineyards for several years and have selected these sites and clones to add complexity and balance to the eventual blend. The wine is comprised of late ripening Syrah from steep slopes in the cool, windy John Sebastiano vineyard on the edge of the Santa Rita Hills; meaty, dark and deep Syrah from Stolpman and Harrison Clarke in Ballard Canyon and remarkable blue fruited, well structured Syrah from Thompson in Los Alamos Valley. The wine was aged in neutral oak barrels for 20 months and was bottled without filtration. Although an infant, it is already starting to show off its aromatics (black, red and blue fruits with spices and hints of meat) purity and concentration. We expect it this wine to age effortlessly for 10 years and beyond. Limited. Only 400 cases produced.
2013 Grenache, John Sebastiano Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley
Grenache at John Sebastiano Vineyard grows on a steep, south facing hillside of almost pure sand on the eastern edge of the block and slightly heavier sandy clay loam toward the west and at the bottom of the block. The block is typically picked very late but at relatively low sugar levels for Grenache. Indeed, this is one of the coolest Grenache sites anywhere in California. These grapes produce a cool, energetic, mineral-laden wine with juicy, high toned, aromatic red fruits, fresh herbs, and good structure for aging. We use approximately 15% stem inclusion to add smoky, earthy aromatics and additional structure and complexity. The wine is already showing its aromatics and silky texture, though it promises to improve for 5-10 years.
2014 Sauvignon Blanc, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara
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, 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 50-50 blend of grapes from Grassini and Vogelzang, both top notch vineyards, exquisitely farmed for ultra high quality. The wine was fermented and aged on its lees in 80% neutral oak barrels and 20% 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.
Conclusion
As you can see from the case production numbers, these wines are all in short supply; most being made in amounts less than two or three hundred cases – or less. Act now to avoid disappointment.
Happy Fall,
Brandon, John, Steve and the entire DC team
2014 Fall Release
September 2014
Fall Release: 2012 Pinot Noir Black Label, 2011 MJM, 2012 Seven, 2013 Sauvignon Blanc Happy Canyon
The Wines
2012 Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills, “Black Label” – $75 *Allocation: 6 bottles*
Our “Black Label” Pinot Noir represents a blend of our finest few barrels of Pinot Noir from the vintage. In 2012, we selected barrels from Cargasacchi Sta. Rita Hills, Fiddlestix, La Encantada and John Sebastiano, to create a wine worthy of the same black label we use for the MJM. The wine was aged for 18 months in French oak barrels (88% new) and bottled without fining or filtration. Extremely Limited.
Our Tasting Note: The deepest, darkest and richest of our 2012 Pinot Noirs, the young wine is still tightly coiled, presently displaying only hints of its ultimate potential. Initially shy, with air, the wine delivers a solid core of deep, dark, black cherry flavors, complicated by creamy blackberry, raspberry and strawberry, with a solid dusting of new oak spices; vanilla, cocoa, coffee and nutmeg. On the palate the wine is substantial, yet silky smooth, as waves of cherry and raspberry laced fruits are interspersed with baking spices and vanilla. The wine, at once deep and concentrated, is held aloft by substantial, yet ripe and pliant tannins and refreshing acidity, resulting in a long, velvety-textured and satisfying finish. This wine will age gracefully for several years.
2011 MJM, Santa Barbara County (93% Syrah, 6% Grenache, 1% Viognier) – $65 *Allocation: 6 bottles*
MJM is our signature, Syrah-based blend, named in honor of our wives and co-conspirators Mitchi, Jen and Michelle. This wine is a selection of our favorite barrels of Syrah, blended and then given extended barrel aging as dictated by the vintage character of the wine. In 2011, the MJM was aged for 22 months before bottling without filtration. Extremely Limited.
The Wine Advocate, in a pre-release tasting, called the 2011 MJM “outstanding” as it “offers additional spice, cedar, white pepper and licorice to go with core of ripe black raspberry and currant fruit. Medium to full-bodied, balanced and nicely textured, it has loads of character and scores high on drinkability.”
Our Tasting Note: Though young, the wine already displays rich and complex aromas of blackberry, blueberry, very ripe black cherries and kirsch, along with fresh burning wood smoke and spice (vanilla, nutmeg, coffee), savory notes of tapenade and fresh beef, orange rind and herbs de provence. On the palate the wine is dramatic, with bold flavors of fresh blackberry, boysenberry and maraschino liqueur, and dark notes of espresso, black licorice, pastilles, peppermint and tar. The wine is full bodied, yet lifted by serious yet pliant tannins and ample acidity, which gives a long finish echoing mint, smoke and fresh earth.
2012 Seven, Central Coast (89% Syrah, 10% Grenache, 1% Viognier) – $40
Seven is our Syrah-based blend, originally named for the seven exceptional cool climate vineyard sites from which it was comprised. We have worked with each of these vineyards for several years and have selected these sites and clones to add complexity and balance to the eventual blend. The wine is comprised of late ripening Syrah from steep slopes in the cool, windy John Sebastiano vineyard on the edge of the Santa Rita Hills; spicy exuberant red fruited Syrah from the rocky slopes of Shadow Canyon in far west Paso Robles, meaty, dark and deep Syrah from Stolpman and Harrison Clarke in Ballard Canyon and remarkable blue fruited, well structured Syrah from Thompson and Watch Hill in Los Alamos Valley. The wine was aged in neutral oak barrels for 18 months and was bottled without filtration.
Although an infant, it is already starting to show off its aromatics (black, red and blue fruits with spices and hints of meat) purity and concentration. We expect it this wine to age effortlessly for 10 years and beyond.
Jeb Dunnick of the Wine Advocate, tasting a barrel sample wrote of the 2012 Seven, “[I]t has beautiful richness, medium to full-bodied palate weight and complex aromas and flavors of cassis, blackberry, chocolate, wild herbs and plenty of spice. This nicely textured, balanced effort will drink well on release and age gracefully for 5-7 years. 90-92 Points.”
Our Tasting Note: On the nose, the wine displays complex, multi-fruit aromas beginning with blackberry, then moving into raspberry, late season strawberry, and rhubarb pie, complimented by spices and fragrant herbs such as pine, anise, fennel seed, nutmeg, mulling spices, cinnamon, mint, and hints of citrus and citrus flowers along with dark violets. On the palate, the wine is medium bodied and richly flavored, yet taut and suave, as complex black and blue fruits mingle with high toned raspberry and ripe pomegranate, fresh mint and bay leaf, pine needles, and tar. The flavors are supported by fine tannins, citrus tinged acidity and a refreshing stone/granite minerality which gives the wine a long finish now and promises further development over the next several years.
2013 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 50-50 blend of grapes from Grassini and Vogelzang, 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 gently 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 that are well matched to aging in French oak barrels.
The wine was fermented and aged on its lees in 70% neutral oak barrels and 30% 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.
Our Tasting Note: The nose initially features bright tropical fruits (guava and pineapple), fine citrus notes (lemon), lemongrass and dried straw, and then builds into waves of rich stone fruits (peach, nectarine, apricot) and pear, complicated by striking mineral tones of granite and flint, fresh herbs (anise, basil), white floral notes (jasmine), saline notes, gooseberry, and clove. On the palate, the wine is medium bodied and complex with rich yet restrained fruits (fresh mango and pineapple, pear) and lemon cream sharing time with juicy energetic acidity, which provides lift and cut on the exceptionally long finish.
2014 Late Spring Release
May 2014
New Releases: 2012 Sauvignon Blanc Vogelzang Vineyard & 2012 Pinot Noir Fiddlestix Vineyard
Greetings,
We are excited to announce the release of two of our most celebrated and sought after wines – the 2012 Sauvignon Blanc Vogelzang Vineyard and the 2012 Pinot Noir Fiddlestix Vineyard. These wines are painstakingly handcrafted in tiny amounts and thus are extremely limited.
There will be a 6 bottle limit on each of these wines.
2012 Sauvignon Blanc, Vogelzang Vineyard ($42)
The Vogelzang Sauvignon Blanc is a reserve-level, draconian selection of our favorite lots from the exceptional Vogelzang vineyard, with whom we have long term, per acre contracts, allowing us to control the farming practices, limit yields, manage the canopy and harvest in selective picks. Vogelzang fruit is particularly well suited to barrel fermentation and longer aging, and we aged this wine for 12 months on its lees in 80% French oak barrels (20% new) and 20% stainless steel barrels and then placed this wine in tank for 6 months extended aging before bottling. Only 290 cases made.
The spectacular 2012 growing season created a terrific rendition of this wine which has been much lauded by the critics in the past. In fact the 2011 version was 92 points in the Wine Advocate and was the second highest scoring domestic Sauvignon Blanc in that publication. Similarly, Josh Raynolds of Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar scored the 2011 wine 93 points, also the second highest scoring domestic Sauvignon Blanc in that publication. In both cases, our wines matched or out performed wines costing 2 to 3 times more. We are confident that the 2012 will perform similarly well with the critics, but more importantly with our customers.
2012 Pinot Noir Fiddlestix Vineyard ($54)
Fiddlestix almost needs no introduction. This renowned site is located at the cool western edge of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation, where early morning fog and cool afternoon breezes provide a long, even growing season. Again in 2012 we obtained fruit from four separate blocks, consisting of clones 113, 115, 667 and 777 in precise locations in the vineyard. After careful harvesting and fermentation, this wine was aged on its lees for 17 months in French oak barrels, 22% new, without racking, before rigorous selection, blending and bottling without fining or filtration. Only 400 cases produced.
As with the Vogelzang Sauvignon Blanc, the Fiddlestix Pinot Noir has a long history of critical acclaim. The 2011 received 92 points from Josh Raynolds and 90 from the Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator among others. More importantly, you all know that we have been crafting excellent wines from this special site for several years. We expect the 2012 version will be another great Fiddlestix wine that you will want in your cellar.
Cheers!
DC
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2014 Spring Release
March 2014
New Releases: 2012 Pinot Noirs: Sta. Rita Hills, Radian Vineyard, and Bentrock Vineyard, 2013 Rosé Happy Canyon and 2012 Grenache John Sebastiano Vineyard.
Greetings from the Santa Ynez Valley:
This is one of our favorite emails of the year – the announcement of the release of the first Pinot Noirs of the new vintage. In this case, the Pinots come from one of the most exciting vintages in years, the justifiably lauded 2012 vintage. In addition, we also announce the release of the 2013 Rosé from Happy Canyon and our first ever single vineyard Grenache (2012) from the soon-to-be famous steep slopes of the John Sebastiano Vineyard.
This release is a special one for us, as it is a culmination of sorts of our vineyard sourcing strategies which were developed over the last 10 years. These wines truly hail from some of the finest and most interesting sites anywhere in California. All wines are available for immediate sale and shipping (weather permitting). Get them while you can!
And now, the new wines:
2012 Pinot Noirs
The Vintage: 2012 was almost a perfect vintage. We benefitted from an early budbreak (mid March), a lack of significant frosts, marvelous weather during bloom and set, and a long season of warm sunny days, refreshed by cool evenings. We avoided any significant heat spikes, and the grapes were able to ripen at a measured pace, allowing for both sugar and, perhaps more importantly, phenolic (flavor) development. September, in particular, was lovely, with long days of sunshine without excessive heat and nighttime cool downs, which permitted the vines to rest, preserving critical acidity. We also avoided rain at harvest time, allowing us to monitor the grapes every few days and to pick at the precise moment of optimal ripeness. Grapes were harvested from September 12 to October 4 depending on the vineyard. The grapes generally showed excellent complex flavors and ripe tannins at reasonable acidity.
Winemaking: With such excellent material, winemaking was relatively straightforward. We were able to extract maximum flavors through our usual methods of 4-7 day cold soak with pumpovers, fermentation almost entirely with native yeasts and twice daily punchdowns, and careful, separate handling of free run wine and gentle press wine. Malolactic fermentation took place in barrel. The wine remained on its lees, without racking for 15 months. At 15 months we carefully tasted all barrels and decided to craft a single vineyard wine from a few barrels of wine from the unique, fascinating, Radian vineyard and a Sta. Rita Hills blend of wines from across the appellation, from north (Hwy 246 corridor) to south (Santa Rosa Road) and from east to the far western edge, allowing us to create layers of aromatic and flavor complexity. In addition, we created a micro-production, wine club exclusive single vineyard wine from Bentrock Vineyard. This is the benefit of the wine club – access to special wines that cannot be found anywhere else.
2012 Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills ($44)
This wine is a blend of several top sites in the Sta Rita Hills. John Sebastiano lies on steep, windswept slopes, and our several distinct blocks (Clones 4, 828 and 777) yield intense, fruit dominated wines. The justifiably renowned Fiddlestix vineyard provides higher register red fruits and spice. We select wines from four different blocks at Fiddlestix, representing clones 113, 115, 667 and 777, for even more complexity. La Encantada, planted by SRH pioneer Richard Sanford, gives textbook black cherry fruits and baking spices in an intense, structured package. Zotovich, which is planted on almost pure sand, grows tiny berries giving elegant, high-register red fruited wines of character. Radian sits, north facing, and at high elevation on almost pure diatomaceous earth. These soils, plus the high winds and fog severely limit yields here and the wines are highly concentrated, but with great minerality and complexity. Radian’s sister vineyard, Bentrock, gives intense, energetic and concentrated wines, which are at once flavorful but elegant and balanced. We are thrilled with the blend which we think represents itself as a perfect expression of Sta. Rita Hills; juicy, rich and flavorful, yet impeccably structured and balanced. The 2011 vintage of this wine received 91 points from Josh Raynolds in Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar.
Our Tasting Note: On the nose, the wine combines classic Santa Rita Hills notes of dark black cherry, fresh and preserved red fruits (raspberry, strawberry) and kirsch, along with baking spices, cacao, hints of fresh herbs and a touch of vanilla. On the palate the wine is concentrated and intense with ripe red fruits (cherries, raspberries) complicated by notes of rhurbarb, fresh and dried herbs (bay leaf, tarragon) and wood smoke. The wine is medium bodied, yet intense, as bright, citrus-tinged acids and round ripe tannins provide structure and energy on the long, complex finish.
2012 Pinot Noir, Radian Vineyard ($54)
Radian is a new and exceptionally promising vineyard at the very western edge of the Sta. Rita Hills. We selected our blocks from the most extreme portions at the very top of the vineyard. Our blocks are therefore at high elevation on steep, north facing slopes, and planted in almost pure diatomaceous earth. Our blocks are regularly buffeted by high winds and/or covered in fog, which severely limits yields to under 1 ton per acre. The wines are unique, highly concentrated red fruits, but with great acidity, an intense mineral streak, and complexity from earth and fresh herb notes. This wine is extremely limited and will sell out fast. The 2011 vintage of this wine received 92 points from Josh Raynolds in Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar.
Our Tasting Note: This wine displays aromas of deep, concentrated red fruits (sour cherry, strawberry and sweet cranberry) along with intense mineral notes of sea shell, and wet stones and a fascinating melange of fresh and dried herbs (bay leaf, anise, thyme, tarragon) and smoky nori. On the palate the wine is rich, yet measured, as concentrated fresh red fruits intermingle with herbs and stones in a light to medium bodied frame. A solid tannic spine and notable, tangy acids provide citrus notes and intrigue, and the wine dances across the palate to a satisfying, contemplative finish.
2012 Pinot Noir, Bentrock Vineyard ($54) – Wine Club Exclusive, SOLD OUT
Bentrock is another new and exceptionally cool climate vineyard, located near Radian at the very western edge of the Sta. Rita Hills. Our blocks are located on steep, north facing slopes of poor, sandy loam soils and are regularly buffeted by high winds and fog, allowing for a long slow growing season. The cool climate gives wines of concentration and depth, but with great acidity, and complexity of fruit, spice and earth. Wine Club only.
Our Tasting Note: This wine displays deep red fruit aromas (cherry, strawberry and cranberry) along with sea shell, wet stone and hints of fresh and dried herbs (bay leaf, anise) and smoky nori. On the palate the wine has incredibly silky texture in a medium bodied frame, with concentrated fresh red fruits (raspberry, strawberry), stones and fresh herbs. The wine has ripe, round acids and good tannic structure, providing citrus notes, lift and a long finish.
2013 Rosé, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara (Grenache 70%, Mourvèdre 25%, Syrah 5%) ($22)
This wine is a southern French inspired blend of Grenache and Mourvedre, specially farmed for Rosé at the Vogelzang vineyard. We harvest these blocks in several cool night and early morning picks, and bring them straight to the winery where they are gently, whole cluster pressed over a long slow press cycle to provide just the right amount of skin contact while gently extracting maximum flavors. We added 5% Syrah, which had been bled off the Syrah fermenters, for additional complexity and body. 2013 was a terrific vintage for these grapes; the Mourvedre was picked at low sugars, giving a lean, citrus-tinged, energetic backbone to the more juicy and complex, wild red fruits of the Grenache. This wine has been a huge hit in the tasting room and in restaurants everywhere. Indeed, we have to allocate this wine to our brokers, and even then they are always begging for more. This wine will be in the April/May wine club shipment. The 2012 vintage of this wine received 90 points from Josh Raynolds in Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar and 91 points from Wine & Spirits.
Our Tasting Note: Beautiful light pink to copper color. On the nose, aromas of wild strawberry and raspberry, peach skin and blood orange, with a touch of pine and earth. On the palate, the wine delivers flavors of strawberry, raspberry, pear, nectarine, fuji apple and crenshaw melon, with acidity-inspired notes of orange peel and stony minerals. Light to medium bodied, but expressive and completely dry, the wine has a smooth velvety texture and a long, clean finish.
2012 Grenache, John Sebastiano Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley ($40)
We are thrilled to offer our first ever single vineyard Grenache. John Sebastiano Vineyard is a dramatic hillside site on the border of the Sta. Rita hills and is one of the coolest sites planted to Rhone varietals in all of California. The Grenache grows on a steep, south facing hillside of almost pure sand on the eastern edge of the block and slightly heavier sandy clay loam toward the west and at the bottom of the block. Due to the cool western location and steep windy aspect, this block enjoys a long cool growing season, permitting long hang time and the opportunity to develop excellent aroma and flavor compounds at lower sugars, and with solid acidity. We pick this block in several different passes and ferment the grapes from each pick with differing percentages of whole clusters, based upon taste and stem character. The wines here are cool, energetic and mineral-laden, with high toned red and black fruits, with great aromatics. The 2012 vintage, as described above, was excellent. A long season of warm to hot sunny days allowed the small berried Grenache to develop thicker skins, and deep, concentrated, complex flavors, while the cool nights helped the grapes retain critical acidity. This wine has great early appeal for its concentrated and sexy fruits and spices, but the backbone to age well over the medium term. Our 2011 Grenache (blended) received 91 points from Josh Raynolds in Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar.
Our Tasting Note: Deep, rich aromas of ripe strawberry, raspberry liqueur and sour cherry, with smoky notes of nori and camphor, along with herbal notes of dried thyme, bay leaf, and anise and baking spices such as cardamom and nutmeg. On the palate, the wine is medium bodied and silky, with waves of sexy red fruits (strawberry, raspberry, sour cherry cranberry) complicated by earth notes of forest floor and pine along with black tea and black olives. The wine is lifted by energetic, citrus-laced (orange peel) acidity, while solid, yet ripe tannins provide structure for aging.
* Packaging Note: Long time fans will note a change in packaging. Beginning with the 2012 reds and 2013 whites, our white label wines and the Grenaches will not be waxed, but will be finished with a new logo cork.
Place your order for these small production wines at here, call us at 805-693-0077 or visit our tasting room at 2445 Alamo Pintado Rd in downtown Los Olivos.
Upcoming Events
A couple quick notes on new upcoming events.
Tuesday March 11, 2014 7:00 pm
Winemaker Dinner at Jackson’s Food + Drink
El Segundo, CA
Join us as we celebrate the launch of our new releases with a fantastic 5 course pairing menu crafted by Chef Scott and his team. Here’s a sample from the menu: Seared Duck Breast, Cherry Sauce, Fingerling Potatoes with 2012 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir… perfect pairing! Click here for details and reservations.
Friday March 14, 2014 7:00-11:00 pm
Simply Wine Festival at Four Seasons Hotel
Westlake Village, CA
This annual benefit is one of the most popular Wine Festivals in the Ventura County region and benefits the Make-a-Wish foundation chapter of the tri-counties. This year’s event is sponsored by Tesla Motors and will feature wines, tequilas, terrific food and top notch entertainment. Go to http://simplywinefest.com/index.cfm for details.
We look forward to seeing you soon,
Cheers!
DC