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 club wines! For this season’s release, we have specially selected a beautiful mix of delicious whites for you: 2022 Picpoul Blanc, 2022 Chardonnay SRH, 2021 Brut Rosé, and 2021 Grenache Rosé for your August club. Please read on for tasting notes and winemaking information.
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. |
2022 Chardonnay, SRH
Retail: $35.00
| Grape Blend and Source | 100% Chardonnay Spear Vineyard & Hilltop Ranch Vineyard, Santa Rita Hills |
|---|---|
| Technical Specs | PH: 3.67 Acidity: 5.7 g/L Alcohol: 13.6% |
| Case Production | 299 |
| Winemaking Notes | Grapes for our 2022 Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay come from Spear Vineyard & Hill Top Ranch in the Sta. Rita Hills. Upon arrival to the winery, the grapes were whole-cluster pressed to gently release the juice from the skins. After three days of settling the juice was racked off lees and inoculated for fermentation using CY3079, which is known for accentuating stone fruit and floral aromas. Following primary fermentation the wine underwent malolactic fermentation as a single lot and was aged for a total of 9 months in neutral French oak before being bottled in June 2023. |
| About the Vineyards | The soils of the Sta. Rita Hills are notorious for their predominantly sandy composition and the abundance of diatomaceous earth. Both properties make this region a highly sought-after place for aromatic white varietals as well as Pinot Noir. The highest quality Chardonnay grapes in SBC come from this region. |
| Tasting Notes | On the nose this wine gives notes of lemon rind, apricots, and cedar. As the wine opens, a palate develops to include stone fruit, cloves, black licorice and white tea leaves. |
| Food Pairing | Seafood Risotto with chardonnay pan seared bay scallops, large shrimp, pea shoots, drizzle basil garlic lemon zest pesto, sprinkled with parmesan cheese. |
2021 Grenache Rosé
Retail: $30.00
| Grape Blend and Source | 100% Grenache Lieff, Alamo Creek, and Rancho Del Prado vineyards |
|---|---|
| Technical Specs | PH: 3.48 Acidity: 4.7 g/L Alcohol: 14% |
| Winemaking Notes | Grapes for the 2021 Zephyr red blend come from five separate vineyards spanning three AVAs across the Santa Ynez Valley. As each vineyard site reached optimal physiological ripeness during the months of September and October, the fruit was hand-harvested and delivered to the winery. Upon arrival the lots were destemmed, cold-soaked for three days and inoculated for fermentation. Post-fermentation the lots were gently pressed off their skins, settled and racked to barrel. In February 2022 our team rack each lot off lees, assembled the blend and returned the wine to barrel where it aged for a total of 22 months in 25% new French oak until bottling in June 2023. |
| Tasting Notes | The nose of this rosé is filled with enchanting aromas of white peach, mango, papaya, and cherry blossom, with a hint of dried pineapple that adds a touch of complexity. As you sip, the crisp acidity enhances the flavors of blood orange, raspberry and pink peppercorn, all wrapped up in a well-structured and easy-drinking wine. The mineral notes on the finish leave a lasting impression and make this rosé an excellent choice for any occasion. |
| Food Pairing | Rockfish with butter ponzu sauce served with seaweed cucumber cabbage mint salad. |
2021 Brut Rosé
Retail: $45.00
| Grape Blend and Source | Clements Hills, California. Made using méthode traditionnelle. |
|---|---|
| Technical Specs | Alcohol: 12.5% |
| Winemaking Notes | Grapes for our 2021 Five Eras Bordeaux-style blend come exclusively from the Defiance Vineyard in the Creston District of Paso Robles. This co-ferment was hand-harvested on October 11th and upon arrival to the winery was destemmed and gently crushed together to cold soak for three days. After a 16 day ferment the lot was gently pressed off its skins and left to settle before being racked to 20% new French oak barrels to age for a total of 22 months before being bottled in June 2023. |
| Tasting Notes | A refreshing, full-bodied sparkling wine. It offers intense aromas of peach, orange peels, apricot and butterscotch that are balanced with citrus and floral notes for a crisp and delicate flavor. |
| Food Pairing | What pairs with this? Almost anything! Brut Rosés are some of the most diverse food wines in existence. From fruit tarts to citrusy salads to spicy BBQ to creamy risotto. Or even fried chicken, buttered popcorn, halibut, and pork loin. Try it with appetizers, chese and even chocolatey desserts. You really can't go wrong! |
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