Chardonnay,
2005, Seasmoke, Santa Rita Hills
We are extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to work
with the limited chardonnay from this prestigious vineyard
planted predominantly to pinot noir in the late 1990s. We
have access to a three acre parcel from which we receive dijonnaise
clones 76, 95 and 96. The block is in Metz loamy sand and
is situated on a small mesa immediately above the Santa Ynez
river.
Lime green and yellow in color. Aromas of apricot skin,
cherimoya and salinity followed by flavors of pineapple, cactus
and ginger. Medium weight with a palate cleansing freshness
and texture.
9,216 bottles produced
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to the wine list
Chardonnay,
2005, Mount Carmel, Santa Rita Hills
This is a momentous release of this site as it marks the first
time that we have managed the entire farming operation. Mount
Carmel, originally planted in 1991 by Paul Albrecht and Ron
Piazza, is now in the hands of our brilliant vineyard manager,
Francisco Ramirez. Of the twenty-acre parcel, six are planted
to Wente clone chardonnay on a steep, wind-beaten slope of
botella clay and limestone.
Yellow to light gold in color. Aromas of candied lemon
peel, orange zest and fresh brie rind followed by flavors
of kiwi, prickly pear and locquat. Sharp initial front mouth
attack followed by rich mouth filling volume and presence.
12,672 bottles produced
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to the wine list
Chardonnay,
2005, Sweeney Canyon, Santa Rita Hills
This bottling marks our tenth year of this historic site with
which we have worked since our inception. We currently contract
six of the eighteen acres which were planted in 1981 to Wente
clone by the Marks family. This dry farmed vineyard is self-rooted
in river silt/diatomite soils and is situated on the western
fringes of the appellation.
Yellow to light gold in color. Aromas of gardenia, orange
blossom and kafir leaf followed by flavors of lime, minerals
and persimmons. Medium to full bodied with tremendous breadth
and richness.
8,640 bottles produced
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to the wine list
Chardonnay,
2005, Rancho Santa Rosa, Santa Rita Hills
This is the first of two offerings from the extreme Rancho
Santa Rosa property owned and farmed by Bill Foley. This block,
located at the upper elevation of the vineyard, is planted
solely to clone 76 on a steep slope of limestone-rich soil
which is quite atypical for our area.
Bright aromas of flowers, lime and green tea followed
by flavors of tapioca, cinnamon and crème brulée.
Full-bodied with a rich, creamy texture.
2,016 bottles produced
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to the wine list
Chardonnay,
2005, Ashley's, Santa Rita Hills
This parcel of chardonnay is one of the most compelling that
we work with. Planted entirely to clone Mount Eden on a very
elevated mesa in sandy, clay-loam soils overlooking the entire
appellation.
Aromas of lemongrass, yuzu and roasted corn followed by
flavors of passionfruit, ginger and wheat. Very weighty yet
exhibits great finesse despite it power.
4,896 bottles produced
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to the wine list
Pinot
Noir, 2005, Ashley's, Santa Rita Hills
Owned by the Parker family and named after Fess’s daughter,
Ashley, this diverse vineyard is farmed by Buona Terra Farming.
We are currently working with two specific blocks of pinot noir
planted on steep clay-loam slopes to clones 114, 115 and Pommard.
Aromas of rose petal, white miso and wild berries followed by
flavors of dried mission fig, cranberry, rhubarb and beets.
Very pliant texture which is lengthy yet more finesseful than
most of our pinots.
10,944 bottles produced back
to the wine list
Pinot
Noir, 2005, Cargasacchi, Santa Rita Hills
Peter Cargasacchi is a very detailed grower who constantly
strives to further his knowledge and improve quality. We are
fortunate to receive a two acre section of clone 115 which
is planted in a clay loam soil replete with calcareous deposits
and diatomaceous earth.
Aromas of savory meat stock, white cocoa and nutmeg followed
by flavors of black raspberry and mild mole. Lush and fruity
on the palate with a drying finish.
6,912 bottles produced
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to the wine list
Pinot
Noir, 2005, Mount Carmel, Santa Rita Hills
We are thrilled to have the opportunity to farm this incredible
vineyard as our monopole. Steep south facing slopes coupled
with very complex soils of clay, diatomite and limestone render
this site extremely compelling and inspiring.
Aromas of lingonberries and bright red fruits followed
by flavors of vanilla bean, Moroccan spice and chocolate covered
cherries. Both sweet and savory in the mouth, juxtaposing
a noble and delicate palate impression with a persistent finish.
10,944 bottles produced
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to the wine list
Pinot
Noir, 2005, Rio Vista, Santa Rita Hills
This vineyard owned by the Thorne family is farmed by Buona
Terra Farming on the eastern extreme of the appellation. This
bottling is a combination of clones 777 and 667 planted on
a gentle west-facing slope in sandy, clay-loam soils.
Rose petal, dried cranberry and white sage aromas are
followed by flavors of dried plums and crispy meat skin. More
silky texturally than many of our offerings with a polished,
lacy finich.
8,640 bottles produced
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to the wine list
Pinot
Noir, 2005, Clos Pepe, Santa Rita Hills
This thirty acre vineyard is owned and farmed by the Pepe
and Hagen families. Our section is planted solely to Pommard
clone on a gently sloping knoll in the center of their property
that is impacted by strong maritime breezes.
Aromas of flowers, black raspberries and smoked pork followed
by flavors of holiday spice, strawberries and pomegranates.
Full bodied with a dry, firm texture.
3,168 bottles produced
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to the wine list
Pinot
Noir, 2005, Rancho Santa Rosa, Santa Rita Hills
Adjacent to the chardonnay parcel mentioned above, this block
of clone 667 pinot noir is planted on a steep south facing slope
replete with limestone.
Aromas of star anise, sandalwood and Chambord followed by flavors
of rhubarb, beets and black raspberries. Opulent, lush and persistent
in the mouth.
2,880 bottles produced back
to the wine list
Pinot
Noir, 2005, Melville, Santa Rita Hills
The Melville family planted this windswept mesa in 1997 to
clones 114 and 115. The clay-loam soil and cold winds consistently
render this wine rich and velvety.
Dark, dense and regal in nature chracterized by aromas
of graphite, menthol and strawberries. Flavors of milk chocolate,
dried lavender and blue fruits follow with a noble and monumental
palate impression.
5,184 bottles produced
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to the wine list
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