2009s in barrel

2009 was a great vintage and the wines are amazing. I think it may be my best Syrah vintage to date, and the wines have only begun to show their true colors. 2009 will see Santa Barbara County Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County Rose, and Central Coast Pinot Noir under À Côté, as well as the first Fenêtre AVA wines in a Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay, and a Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir. The Single vineyards include Chardonnay from Los Alamos, Sierra Madre, Bien Nacido, and a separate Block 11 Bien Nacido bottling. Pinot Noir's are Cedar Lane, Sierra Madre, Bien Nacido, and of course Le Bon Climat. Syrah will boast, for the first time, three great offerings. Alisos which has been a staple since 07, and joined by Sawyer-Lindquist (Bio-Dynamic), and 'Z' Block, from Bien Nacido.

What's in store for harvest of 2010?

Holy Moly... Adding to some of our great sights in Santa Maria Valley will be two vineyards in the Santa Rita Hills AVA. for those of you who loved Calmant Creek... I was listening. I am back in the action in another great area for Pinot and Chard. in Santa Barbara County. The two spots are Rita's Crown located a stone's throw from the famed Mount Carmel vineyard, and Salsipuedes (name TBA... this is kind of a placeholder). From Rita's Crown I will be getting Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and from Salsipuedes, a tiny amount of Pinot Noir as well.

Additionally, Anderson Valley will be a new AVA for me completely, where a new vineyard will be a great source for cool climate coastal Pinot Noir. I am excited to work with such coveted fruit, and look forward to a healthy harvest with a lot of hard work, and great vino. Wish me luck!