current releases
Our current releases are those wines which we believe are
ready to drink and enjoy with a meal. Oftentimes we will hold
and cellar a wine after it has been bottled, tasting until
flavors, acids and tannins are well integrated and not releasing
the wine until that time.
Celestina
Pinot Grigio 2010 |
$18 per bottle |
$48.60 for 3 bottles |
This wine has a deep burnished gold hue with light tints of pink from the skins. An aromatic Pinot Grigio that is fresh and dry, with appealing hints of apricot, quince marmalade and orange blossoms. This wine is plump and unctuous, but silky in texture, with well defined acidity that balances the rich elements for a seamless mouth feel that leaves one wanting more. Juicy, mineral-tinged finish, try with appetizers, first course fare and light seafood dishes.
La Celestina was a character in perhaps one of Spain’s greatest novels, which was published in 1499.
She was a “procuress”, a woman who dedicated her time to arranging discreet meetings between illicit
lovers, and at the same time used her house as a brothel. She is a colorful and vivid character,
hedonistic, sometimes miserly, and yet full of life. Celestina uses her powers of persuasion and
seduction to convince even those who do not agree with her plans to concede.
Click
here for printable winemaking and tasting notes.
Salsipuedes
Pinot Noir 2010 |
$22 per bottle |
$59.40 for 3 bottles |
The 2010 Salsiupuedes is made from clusters that were more shaded and protected within the canopy and those were only exposed to sun flecks rather than direct sunlight. This is perceivable as greater tannin structure than in previous vintages. The wine is also higher in acidity than prior vintages and shows sassafras and currants in the nose. In tasting, the flavors of red cherry, cedar and tea leaf are apparent, leading to a chewy finish framed by soft, persistent tannins. The fruit character is earthier and less sappy than previous vintages.
“Flee—if you can.” The headwaters of
Santa Barbara County’s Salsipuedes Canyon begin a few
miles northeast of Point Conception. This maritime influenced
drainage flows north as a tributary to the Santa Ynez River.
The name Salsipuedes originated as a warning and traces back
to mounted banditos who preyed upon early California travelers
on the way between Mission La Purisima Concepción and
Gaviota. Those using the Gaviota pass often found the longer
inland route along the Santa Ynez River and Nojoqui Creek
was a safer passage.
Click
here for printable winemaking and tasting notes.
Caponera
Chardonnay 2009 |
$20 per bottle |
$54 for 3 bottles |
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This
is a classically styled Chardonnay with lush flavors and
very low oak imprint, comprised of 50% stainless steel and
50% barrel fermented wine. Visually this wine’s golden
hue suggests ripe flavors and aromatics, which are delivered
emphatically in the nose and mouth. The nose reveals aromatics
of spicy apple, crème brulée, hints of honey/beeswax
and even light tropical notes. This is an expressive, food
friendly wine that is balanced and bright, with minerality
and fresh acidity. Caponera is easy drinking, refreshing
and delicious alone or complimenting food.
Marching from Monterey to recapture Santa Barbara in
1846, at Rancho Nipomo Colonel Fremont made the error of seizing
both the remuda and family pet horses - leaving behind the
elderly Caponera (lead mare). Following the soldiers, the
rancheros with the Caponera found Fremont camped near Foxen
Canyon. Carefully using the breeze and dark December night,
the old mare was maneuvered so her scent carried to Fremont’s
remuda. The exhausted guards could not prevent the stampede
that followed the Caponera back to Rancho Nipomo. Only years
later did Fremont learn how he had been outwitted by the savvy
rancheros and a long forgotten lead mare.
Click
here for printable winemaking and tasting notes.
Cuvée
Jalama Syrah 2005 |
$20 per bottle |
$54 for 3 bottles |
"This
Syrah is a blend from several selected vineyards on the Central
Coast. Dark fruit again on the nose, with boysenberry and
dark cherry prominent and some more pure fruit flavors in
the mix as well. This Syrah is balanced and well-knit together
at this point. It has a hard core of fruit that’s not
going away anytime soon, but it’s only showing you what’s
on the surface right now, which makes it a great candidate
for buying a few bottles for aging in your cellar. "
Dennis Schaefer. Wine Columnist
The name Jalama originates from the Purisemeno Chumash
village "Xalam" meaning bundle. Although the precise
location of this indigenous Canalino people's village site
is lost to history, its position near Point Concepción
is inferred from journals and artifacts including a Spanish
Mission period wine fermenter and an ancient, south-facing
olive grove believed to be the second-oldest in California.
Click
here for printable winemaking and tasting notes. |
