A very soft and inviting rendition of Cabernet Franc, this shows just a slight, pleasant hint of dried herbs that provides a “tell” regarding the grape variety. The French oak used for aging was 50% new, but its prominence in the finished wine is admirably subtle, and the integration of spice, subtle toast, and fruit is excellent. Medium-bodied and very softly textured, this is a charmer.
Aromatics are stunning: pear blossom and honey. On entry, the honeyed notes expand, and become a nectar of jasmine, white tea, lychee, and lime chiffon. It finishes with salty melon and powdered toffee.
Ballard Canyon Syrah and Grenache and Los Olivos District Mourvèdre are top-choice sub-AVAs in Santa Ynez for these varieties. Aged 10 months in neutral oak barrels, with a lower alcohol of 13.3%, this fresh-tasting Rhône blend allows earth and wild strawberries to shine, backed by a fine acidity. Cocoa, black raspberry, and Rooibos tea stand out mid-way. The wine is buoyed by sleek tannins and a spiced sandalwood finish.
Former Marine Matt Fowler is now owner and Chief Sloucher, creating wines that allow him serenity in life. Barrel fermented on the lees, this high-acid Sauv Blanc speaks of tart green apple, thyme, lime zest, melon, and a peck of salinity on the tongue. Crisp with striking freshness.
Deep, well extracted, nearly opaque core, dark fruit aromas backed with roasted coffee, vanilla oak and savory spice, full, weighty, robust, well structured, fine integration of high-quality oak, good palate presence that carries through to the finish. Develops well with aeration.
A vivacious blend of Barbera, Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Pinot Noir, produced in the Charmat Method. Prominent notes of peach, melon and tart citrus are revealed through its delicate bubbles. Floral notes of tangerine blossom offer a hint of honey.
Some Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs have become rather “domesticated” as both the acidity and the ripeness of the fruit seem more toned down than when the category first took the world by storm. That’s not the case with this example, which shows sweetly ripe fruit with both citrus and tropical notes, along with intense acidity that is really needed to achieve a push-and-pull balance of tartness with fruity sweetness.
Silky and luscious with pineapple sorbet, grapefruit zest, and laurel. Expressive and vibrant, with a salty finish.