Summer is here!
Happy Summer! Since our last newsletter, there has been much to report on the vineyard front. From bud break to mid-June, the Sunstone vines have bloomed into flowers and clusters, and fruit set is well on its way. The vines have continued to vigorously prosper, as the vineyard team focuses on vine maintenance. The meticulous training of the leaves opens up space to allow air and sun in for optimal photosynthesis. The Santa Ynez riverbed along the west side of our property allows for additional wind drift and a gradual cool spell, which benefits the vines with a slower decrease in temperature, beginning in the late afternoon.
On the tasting room front, we are thrilled to introduce all our newly refurbished spaces with the addition of larger restrooms, more comfortable lounge seating and upgraded courtyards. Our team eagerly awaits your visit with us during this summer season, with chilled bottles in hand to keep you cool in the warm Santa Ynez weather.
On to the wines! For this season’s club, we have specially selected a beautiful mix of reds and whites for you: 2022 Picpoul Blanc, 2021 Teddy’s, 2021 Cabernet Franc, Estate and finally, 2021 Villa Reserve for your August club. Please read on for tasting notes and winemaking information.
WINES INCLUDED IN THIS SHIPMENT:
2022 Picpoul Blanc
Retail: $35.00
| Grape Blend and Source | 100% Picpoul Blanc Nolan Vineyard Alisos Canyon |
|---|---|
| Technical Specs | PH: 3.48 Acidity: 6.6 g/L Alcohol: 14.2% |
| Case Production | 69 |
| Winemaking Notes | Grapes for our first pure Picpoul Blanc come from the Nolan Vineyard in the Alisos Canyon AVA. Upon arrival to the winery, the grapes were gently whole-cluster pressed to release the juice from the skins. After three days of cold settling, the juice was racked off lees and inoculated for fermentation using GRE-ICV yeast, which is known for accentuating stone fruit aromas in aromatic white varietals. Following the ten-day alcoholic fermentation, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation and was aged for a total of 8 months in two-year-old French oak barrels before being bottled in June 2023. |
| About the Vineyard | The Nolan Ranch is a roughly 100-acre vineyard just outside of Los Alamos, CA. The soil structure at the Nolan Ranch is composed of multiple layers of sand and loam which are a favored for aromatic white varietals because of their heat retention and water drainage properties. |
| Tasting Notes | Captivating notes of almond brittle interlaced with hints of honeydew melon and vanilla on the nose. Its complex palate offers a delightful fusion of flavors including brown sugar grapefruit, pineapple, starfruit, mango, and cantaloupe. The enchanting finish lingers with the subtle notes of star anise, cloves, cedar, and a delicate hint of lilac. |
| Food Pairing | Blackened Rockfish Tacos with multicolored cabbage slaw, minced pineapple and drizzled with Lemon Cilantro Garlic Aioli Sauce. |
2021 Teddy's
Retail: $75.00
| Grape Blend and Source | 47% Carignan, 33% Syrah, 20% Grenache Nolan Vineyard & Black Oak Vineyard, Alisos Canyon |
|---|---|
| Technical Specs | PH: 3.79 Acidity: 5.6 g/L Alcohol: 14.9% |
| Case Production | 604 |
| Winemaking Notes | This blend of Carignan, Syrah and Grenache mimics the style of the Corbiéres AOC of France in the Rhone Valley. Grapes for this blend were harvested at the same time from two separate vineyards situated next to each other in the Alisos Canyon AVA. Upon arrival to the winery, the grapes were de-stemmed and gently crushed to tank. After three days of cold soaking, the grapes were inoculated and co-fermented as one lot. After fermentation the wine was aged in 20% new French oak barrels for 22 months before being bottled in June 2023. |
| Tasting Notes | This captivating blend reveals an alluring aromatic medley of cloves, coriander, cedar and tobacco while red tea leaves and lavender add a delicate floral touch. On the palate notes of dark fruits like black cherries, plum, blackberries, cranberries, figs, and raspberries. The wine finishes with notes of espresso, black currant, hibiscus and jasmine. |
| Food Pairing | Slow cooked smoked habanero Bison served on homemade crispy Naan Bread (Pizza Style), accompanied by sides: Smoked black bean garlic humus, Greek tzatziki sauce, and Ezme Turkish Sauce. |
2021 Villa Reserve
Retail: $70.00
| Grape Blend and Source | 44% Merlot, 34% Syrah, 22% Cabernet Franc Sunstone Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley |
|---|---|
| Technical Specs | PH: 3.8 Acidity: 5.1 g/L Alcohol: 14.2% |
| Case Production | 317 |
| Winemaking Notes | The three estate varietals used for our Villa Reserve blend are planted in high-density micro blocks surrounding the Villa at Sunstone. In contrast to how most wines are crafted, we employ a “field blend” approach for this wine. For us this means harvesting all blocks on one day (October 14th, 2021), weigh the varietals individually to determine the overall varietal percentage and crush the lots together to ferment as one. Upon arrival to the winery the fruit was crushing together for cold soaking, inoculated for fermentation, punched down twice daily and finally pressing off the skins once dry. The wine was aged in a combination of new French (16%), new American (24%) and neutral oak for 22 months before being bottled in June 2023. |
| Tasting Notes | This expressive red blend showcases a captivating combination of ripe red fruits like raspberry, black cherry, and boysenberry, accented by a subtle blend of warm spices such as cumin, cloves, and coriander. Notes of dark chocolate, espresso, and marzipan add depth and richness, while hints of toasted almonds and pine nuts bring a delightful nuttiness to the palate. A touch of hickory and pine contribute to a smoky undertone, and candied orange rind provides a touch of sweetness and zest. |
| Food Pairing | Cedar Plank Smoked Brisket with the “Villa Reserve Blend”, apricots, and plums chutney topped with rosemary sprigs. |
2021 Cabernet Franc Estate
Retail: $70.00
| Grape Blend and Source | 100% Cabernet Franc Sunstone Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley |
|---|---|
| Technical Specs | PH: 3.8 Acidity: 5.1 g/L Alcohol: 14.2% |
| Case Production | 314 |
| Winemaking Notes | Grapes for the Sunstone Estate Cabernet Franc were hand-harvested on October 19th from “block H” which is in the Southwest corner of the estate. Upon arrival to the winery, the grapes were crushed and left to cold soak for three days before being inoculated for fermentation. After the 14-day fermentation, the wine was gently pressed off its skins and racked to 46% new French oak where it was left to age for a total of 22 months before being bottled in June 2023. |
| Tasting Notes | This elegant Cabernet Franc reveals a captivating array of dark fruit flavors, including black currant, plum, and blackberry jam, accompanied by a subtle peppery spice and hints of sage. Layers of complexity unfold with notes of coffee beans, tobacco, and cocoa nibs. Delicate floral nuances of lavender and honeysuckle intertwine with the vibrant zest of raspberry and blood orange. A touch of nutmeg adds a warm, aromatic element as the wine finishes with a refreshing hint of watermelon rind. |
| Food Pairing | Wild Boar Bolognese over Orecchiette pasta, topped with grated Black Truffles, Pecorino, and Grana Cheese with minced cilantro. |
Important Dates
Last Day to Update Credit Cards & Change Address
July 24
Credit Cards are Charged
July 25
Club Orders Available for Pickup
August 4
Non-pickup orders Shipped out
August 7