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Being able to source fruit for Blaine from Bien Nacido – which is such an iconic vineyard and one of California’s truly great sites – is a real privilege.. Not only that, but we’ve been able to source fruit from their L-Block, which includes own-rooted Chardonnay vines that are now 50 years old.
In addition to the vine age, gravelly loam soils derived from weathered shale and sandstone are key contributors to the wine’s firm structure, natural tension, bright acidity and mineral accents. Lastly, this is a very cool site that benefits from the impact of the nearby Pacific Ocean. Fog and a salty oceanic breeze off the coast preserve acidity and introduce a savory quality, both of which offset the deep, concentrated fruit characteristics.
This wine was produced with the goal of preserving freshness and maintaining a slightly reductive quality, similar to the Chardonnays of Burgundy. Fermentation is done in barrel with all the lees included, creating a reductive environment that helps with the wine’s focus and balances the richer fruit flavors and textures. Reductive qualities can contribute both aromatic and textural elements. Aromatically, it may present as flinty or wet stone, while on the palate it adds detail, focus and length in a chiseled manner. Without reduction, the fruit becomes more accessible, round, and supple, but the wine can also be simpler.
Tasting notes: Chamomile, sea mist, coastal herbs, meyer lemon, yellow apple, crisp pear, white peach, wet stone, savory with a salty tension
AVA: Sta. Rita Hills
Alcohol: 13.3%
Case Production: 153
Aging: 15 months in 30% New French Oak
Unfined
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Radian is one of the most impressive vineyard sites I have ever been to and instantly catches one’s attention with its rugged terrain, salty, windy conditions, coastal views, and rocky, white soils.
The vines really struggle here, clusters are tiny, there is a wild, savage quality to the site and it shows through in the wines. It’s managed by an incredible team that also owns Screaming Eagle, the Hilt, and Jonata. In my opinion, Radian is one of the true grand cru sites of California.
There are differences from year to year based on the growing season, but wines from this vineyard have a specific profile that remains intact every vintage. I love how bright and energetic, yet complex and nuanced, these wines are. There is a savory spine that complements the lively, fresh fruit and crunchy acidity, the wines are just so deep and balanced. Due to the windy, cold conditions and small berry size, the wines have great structure supported by supple, yet firm, tannins with the ability to age gracefully.
Tasting notes: Dried violets and lavender, licorice, juicy black raspberry, dark cherry, blood orange peel, clove and cinnamon
AVA: Sta. Rita Hills
Cases produced: 157
Alcohol percentage: 14.2
Aging: 10 months in 35% New French Oak
Unfined and Unfiltered
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Tasting notes: Blackberry, crushed black raspberry, violet, black pepper, beef jerky, clover, nutmeg and espresso.
Cases produced: 157
Alcohol percentage: 14.2
Aging: 14 months in 50% New French Oak
Unfined and Unfiltered
$xx.xx
Nebbiolo is a varietal renowned for its acidity and firm tannins and this wine is no exception. As fans of classic Barolo and Barbaresco, our intention was to follow traditional methods for making and aging this wine. Native yeast fermentation and extended maceration—30 days or more on the skins, not unusual in Barolo—were employed. We didn’t add any sulfur until a full year after harvest to enhance color and build complexity and nuance.
This particular vineyard hadn’t been vinified before, leaving us with no reference point for what to expect. The wine immediately exhibited vibrant aromatics, long, chewy tannins, and gorgeous color. The warmth of California is evident in the wine with vibrant fruit, weight on the mid palate and plenty of texture. Extended barrel aging further developed the wine’s character as the wine took years to flesh out. The result is a very floral wine, with crunchy red fruit and lots of energy.
Tasting notes: Rose petals, pomegranate, bright cherry, orange rind, raspberry, fennel, hibiscus, hints of balsamic
Cases produced: 47
Alcohol percentage: 14.4
Aging: 38 months in neutral puncheon
Unfined and Unfiltered
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Riesling’s range in styles—from sweet to dry—can be confusing for consumers, and may explain why it’s not more popular. However, there’s a reason why many consider this one of the great wines of the world.
Tasting notes: Perfumed floral notes,orange blossom, grannysmith apple, raspberry cream, yellow nectarine, tangerine, grapefruit pith, and a generous amount of lime zest and citrus notes expressed as lively acidity, with a chiseled, stoney finish.
Cases produced: 60
Alcohol percentage: 12.0%
Aging: 8 months in neutral puncheon
Unfined
$xx.xx
I’m familiar with this area, having made wines from the famous UV Vineyard, which is just across the road. Grapes from this area tend to produce distinctive Russian River Valley wines with intense flavors and density. It’s a prime grape-growing region, not excessively cool, which results in wines of a more classic California style: riper, fleshier Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays compared to their coastal counterparts.
Tasting notes: white peach, white nectarine, honey dew melon, bosque pear, jasmine, salted butterscotch
Cases produced: 25
Alcohol percentage: 14.2%
Aging: 15 months in once used French Oak
Unfined
