Winter 2025 Club Collection
2023 Estate Pinot Noir – Terraces
Small Lot Collection – Sta. Rita Hills
576 cases produced
Exposed to extreme elements…the more a healthy vine is stressed, the greater the reward.
The Terraces block sits on a sloped and terraced hillside, with each individual row receiving a direct hit from the cold Pacific Ocean wind. Wrapping around Block M in a “peninsula” shape, the Terraces face varying directions – north, northwest, and due west – cascading down a steep terrain made of clay-rich loam with chunky calcareous shale soil. These facets create several different sun exposures, limited water holding capacity, and when combined with the freezing cold wind, lead to a naturally “devigorized” environment producing intense fruit. Planted in 1997 by Brent Melville and the vineyard crew, this small lot of only 4.9 acres is an interesting combination of two old-school California selections of Mt. Eden and Joseph Swan, plus three Dijon clones (115, 667 and 777). 60% whole cluster.
Tasting Notes: Aromas of raspberries, potpourri, Indian spices, incense and red plums. Its full-bodied structure and vibrant acidity are reminiscent of a high quality Chambolle-Musigny from the 2022 vintage. Think beautiful high toned aromas with graceful power on the palate. Pair this wine with slow smoked fatty salmon with reduced raspberry sauce.
2023 Estate Pinot Noir – Block M
Small Lot Collection – Sta. Rita Hills
598 cases produced
Atop a wind-swept mesa…cold-climate and dense soil deliver concentrated fruit.
Sitting above the Terraces on the top of the westside hill lies Block M, exposed directly to cold Pacific wind and intense sun. The soil is a compact Botella clay with a hardpan dropping 18 inches underneath the topsoil, providing a dense and challenging layer for the roots to penetrate. Planted north to south of two Dijon clones (114 and 115), our farming focus is to provide balance to this highly stressful area. Block M responds remarkably with smaller berries and clusters, producing a rich and full-bodied wine. Clone 114 is known for its lush and tender texture, while 115 delivers higher-toned fruit components and is more pronounced structurally. These clones work harmoniously together to create a complete and compelling bottling – the richest, roundest and most full-bodied of our Small Lot Collection. 80% whole cluster.
Tasting Notes: One of the darker, more sultry pinots from our Small Lot Collection, Block M is an intriguing wine with a slightly “unfriendly” attitude (think dark red fruits, dark soil aromas, nori and soy). Once you get to know it, however, the experience becomes highly rewarding. The magic is found in the density of fruit concentration…Block M’s tiny berries have thicker skins with more grip, tannins, and phenolics than any other pinot in our repertoire. This wine is full of dark cherry, plum, cedar box and blood orange, with fresh acidity and a depth of concentration on the mouth. It is best paired with a grilled prime ribeye, freshly-cracked white pepper, a drizzle of the best extra virgin olive oil, and some fleur de sel finishing salt.
2023 Estate Syrah – Indigene
Small Lot Collection – Sta. Rita Hills
264 cases produced
Wild and indigenous fermentation…capturing complex aromas and flavors.
The Indigène Syrah is fermented using only naturally occurring native yeasts from the fruit, vineyard and winery, present in healthy amounts due to our organic farming methods. These yeasts activate to develop layers of aromatics and flavors, lending to a unique and spontaneous profile with tucked in fruit components complemented by savory earth, soil and mushroom tones. Complex and balanced, Indigène Syrah captures a true expression of terroir and honest character of site.
Tasting Notes: Crushed stone with lifted violets and lavender, and accents of blueberries and raspberries on the nose. The wine has a very focused palate with vibrant acidity and purity of flavor. It is packed with acid and fruit along with a long silky finish. Pair this wine with slow-cooked pork shoulder with a dried herb rub.
2022 Estate Pinot Noir – Deep Cuts
Small Lot Collection – Sta. Rita Hills
46 cases produced
Innovation’s rhythm resonates through the corridors of change, composing a song of resilience and growth.
Introducing the inaugural bottling of our “Deep Cuts” pinot noir. Composed of 100% estate fruit from the 2020 vintage, this wine represents a new perspective, a new angle, in the pursuit of perfection. Aged on the lees in 100% new French oak for a full two years to allow for a more complete and harmonious integration, the introduction of new oak amplifies the vibrancy, tension and texture synonymous with Sta. Rita Hills pinot noirs without compromising the delicate balance of concentrated fruit flavors and ripe acidity. We humbly offer a mere 46 cases from this debut vintage to our most loyal fans.
Tasting Notes: Aromas of dark pomegranate, blood orange zest, mountain cherries, Indian spices, salty oceanic air, and dried wild sage. This wine has an abundant chewy tannin structure that lasts for days. I love this wine with fatty duck breast, or grilled portobellos with balsamic.
