Description
2020 Colson Canyon 60% Syrah 40% Grenache
The original eight acres were planted in 1997, 8 acres of Clone 7 Syrah. Oh, yeah, and two small rows of Tablas Creek Grenache. Why Reo chose to plant two rows of Grenache? I don’t know, maybe just to check it out, but I’m sure glad he did!
Picked from the rows closest to the grenache this wine was co-fermented in an open top fermenter and hand punched down ever so gently to preserve the purity of this special wine. We destemmed all of the syrah but left the grenache 100% whole cluster to lift the nose and, boy does it. There is something about the purity and complexity that these vines bring to the wine as they mature. I can go on and on here, it’s juicy, savory, fruity, weighty, etc. But, I recommend you try it yourself and form your own opinions. It is a wine that makes my mind wander. I hope it does for you as well. Sorry, it’s extremely rare only 4 barrels were made. I’d say a 20 year age worthy wine NO PROBLEM!
Cases Produced: 97
Price: $70.00
2021 50% Roussanne 50% Viognier – Zaca Mesa Vineyard
You will be hard-pressed to find another vineyard and planting more drenched in folklore than this old vine block of Roussanne and Viognier! Planted in 1997 these two blocks were some of the first Roussanne and Viognier in SBC. Actually, the Viognier was thought to be Roussanne but after a few years, many lab results, and stories of who actually was the first to call it out, it was found to, in fact, be Viognier! Oops! Sometimes mistakes can work out for the best. The exotic nose of pineapple, papaya, honeysuckle, lemon zest, and a pinch of saline instantly grab your attention. Then you taste it and it’s hard to get passed its juicy, round, edgeless texture. Which is amazing since the wine was fermented in old barrels and only completed 35% mL fermentation. This old vine California Rhone white is one of a kind from a great site and is one of the most complex and complete whites I’ve made in my 25+ year career. Drink now or over the next 10 years.
Cases Produced: 120
Price: $50.00
2020 Hilltop Vineyard Syrah
Ok, who the F was planting Syrah in California in 1974. I wasn’t, I was only 3 years old! First, let’s start with the name, it’s very deceiving – Hilltop. Well, the house is on the hilltop in the now infamous Sta. Rita Hills appellation with a view looking straight west down the Santa Ynez River. Though, the vineyard is actually planted just feet from the river in pure sand! When I say sand I mean like beach sand. Warning: don’t get your car stuck in it, no joke. Lighter in color and with an explosive nose, due to the high amounts of stems. It’d be difficult to pick this out as a California wine if tasted blind. It is super rustic with tannin galore and an edge to it that will settle in time but is still fun to drink now just because it’s so different than what I’m used to in California wines. A total food wine, red oak grilled steak with Quemada Salsa to bring out the pepper and saline in the wine are a match you can only get here. I’m a huge fan! This is as rare as rare gets, you’re tasting Sta. Rita Hills grapes that were planted some 30 years before Sta. Rita was even formed as an AVA.
Cases produced: 96
Price: $70.00
