Blaine sources distinctive grape varietals from exceptional vineyards throughout California
Santa Barbara County
We love the fruit from this demanding, yet beautiful vineyard, where you can literally feel and smell the ocean in both the vineyard and the wines themselves. It’s one of the more unique, windy, and rugged sites I’ve had the pleasure of working with where tiny clusters and berries contribute to naturally low yields and intense, concentrated wines. This wine clearly reflects the stressed, challenging growing conditions with vivid color, lifted aromatics, and age-worthy structure.
Western edge of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation, a prime winegrowing region within Santa Barbara County.
Steep ridges rising up to 700 feet, offering varied sun exposure.
Unique blend of diatomaceous earth, shale, and clay loam. Diatomaceous earth provides excellent drainage.
Proximity to the Pacific Ocean brings cool temperatures, persistent winds, and regular fog. This creates a long, cool growing season.
The challenging conditions result in smaller grape clusters and berries with intense concentration. This leads to highly structured Pinot Noir known for its depth, structure, and vibrant acidity.
Santa Barbara County
We are very fortunate to be sourcing fruit from the historic L-Block, which was planted in 1973 on its own roots, in the midst of one of California’s most iconic vineyards. The vine age not only limits yields and berry size, but also adds layers of nuance and complexity that cannot be mimicked otherwise.
Along the transverse mountain range in the heart of the Santa Maria Valley, a renowned cool-climate wine region.
Ranges from 200 to 450 feet above sea level, featuring gentle slopes and hills.
Primarily well-drained sandy loam, influenced by ancient riverbeds and some clay deposits.
Enjoys a cool-climate influenced by fog and breezes from the Pacific Ocean, extending the growing season.
The combination of cool temperatures, excellent drainage, and a long growing season allows the grapes to ripen slowly. This develops intense flavors, bright acidity, and a subtle minerality. Bien Nacido is particularly famous for its exceptional Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah.
Monterey County
Whereas the heat of the 2022 vintage was problematic in many areas, this varietal, at this site, benefitted from the warmer season. This is expressed in the wine’s lively aromatics, great concentration and complexity of flavor. The variety’s typical acidity and overall freshness is well intact.
Eastern bench of the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA (American Viticultural Area) in Monterey County, benefiting from the appellation’s renowned cool climate.
Slopes between 500 and 1,000 feet in elevation, offering varied exposures and microclimates.
Primarily decomposed granite and sandy loam. This well-drained soil type contributes to the complexity of the wines.
Consistent winds and persistent fog rolling in from Monterey Bay create a long, cool growing season. Ample sunshine still ensures ripeness.
The challenging conditions produce grapes with intense concentration, vibrant acidity, and structure.
Sonoma County
We couldn’t resist the opportunity to buy Nebbiolo from a steep, rocky site that was farmed to the highest standards. There is so little Nebbiolo found in California and the vast majority is either planted in the wrong place or not farmed with quality in mind.
Situated within the Fountaingrove District AVA of Sonoma County, northeast of Santa Rosa.
Occupies a mountaintop position at around 1,300 feet elevation, offering excellent exposure.
Well-drained, rocky, and cobbly soils are typical of hillside vineyards and contribute significantly to the character of the grapes.
Warm daytime temperatures are moderated by wind and elevation while cool nights help keep the wines fresh.
The steep, west facing slopes expose the vines to wind and abundant sunlight, ensuring even ripening. The rocky soils limit water and nutrient availability resulting in ripe tannin, electric color, and vibrant flavors and aromas.
Sonoma County
Ned Coon has been farming Griffith Woods Vineyard for more than 30 years, selling the fruit to a well known producer for their reserve Chardonnay. This bottling is the first time the site can be experienced as a single vineyard.
Nestled amongst other well regarded vineyards (UV-Laguna Vineyard, Laguna Ridge, Vine Hill, Dehlinger) in the Russian River Valley.
Gentle rolling slope of 200 feet.
Goldridge sandy loam is highly prized throughout the Sonoma Coast for it’s lack of available nutrients and good drainage.
Heavily influenced by its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, bringing cool temperatures, fog, and regular maritime winds earlier in the day, balanced by plenty of afternoon sunshine.
These highly sought after soils coupled with the temperate daytime temperatures and the prevalence of fog produce wines with texture and generous fruit, well balanced acidity, and an elegant mouthfeel.
Sonoma County
“Syrah loves a view.” The vineyard is at roughly 1600 feet elevation, near the peak of the Mayacamas Mountains. Bordered by Napa’s Mount Veeder on the east side, the site’s shallow, volcanic soils and craggy peaks are alternately grazed by sunlight and crosswinds off the Pacific Ocean, creating a microclimate ideally suited for Syrah.
Moon Mountain AVA, near the border of Napa and Sonoma counties.
1,600 feet at the top of Moon Mountain.
Shallow, volcanic soils, rich in minerals.
The Mayacamas Mountains act as a barrier, protecting the vineyards from the cool coastal fog, ensuring the grapes receive adequate warmth for ripening. However, the proximity to the Pacific Ocean moderates temperatures, preventing excessive heat stress.
The significant diurnal temperature variations, combined with well-draining volcanic soils and generous sunshine, create ideal conditions for growing expressive Syrah with both density and finesse.