Sipping Santa Barbara by Charine Tan & Dr. Matthew Horkey
Santa Barbara County is a wine region that we are big fans of for a variety of reasons. Wineries there are producing world-class wines that are terrific value (comparative to other, better known regions), not to mention it’s still a relatively undiscovered area making it particularly fun and accessible to wine enthusiasts. So when we were asked to review Exotic Wine Travel’s latest wine book Sipping Santa Barbara: Recommended Wines & Producers we accepted the offer with great interest and fairly high expectations.
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No one will dispute that Napa Valley is the region that put California wine (and all American wine for that matter) on the world wine map. And while Sonoma Valley sits just on the other side of the Mayacamas mountain range that divides the two wine regions, it has seemingly struggled with its identity. Napa is synonymous with making world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. Sonoma, on the other hand, has so much diversity amongst its 17 AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) it isn’t as easily defined by one grape varietal. For example, they make terrific Pinot Noir in the Russian River Valley, outstanding Zinfandel in the Dry Creek Valley and excellent Chardonnay in the Sonoma Coast AVA. As a result, Cabernet Sauvignon winemakers in Sonoma generally sit in the shadow of Napa Valley. Laurel Glen Vineyard is one winery in Sonoma that is putting the wine world on notice that not only do they have the ability to make Cabernet Sauvignon, they have the ability to make GREAT Cabernet Sauvignon.
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Some of the beautiful vineyards at St. Francis winery.
Sonoma County, the “Valley of the Moon”, truly is a bounty of riches: the long valley just 90 minutes north of San Francisco boasts spectacular scenery, a relaxed and laid back vibe, terrific restaurants and is producing top-rated wines from a diversity of micro-climates and grape varieties.
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2011 Lauren Ashton Syrah
Medium red in colour, the nose revealed red fruits, earth and herbs. The complexity of this wine really showed through on the palate with blueberry, pepper and hints of coffee. A smooth mouthfeel with a long finish, it really opened up over the course of the evening and was a perfect accompaniment to barbecued ribs.
Excellent
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2011 Casajus Antiguous Vinedos
Made from 100% tempranillo grown from 50 year old vines on estate vineyards in Ribera del Duero. Dark red, almost black in colour. Aromas of black cherry, raspberry and a hint of menthol on the nose. The palate is firm and full and has good texture that indicates its ability to age. Blackberry, raspberry with notes of spice cake dominate the intense flavor profile and bring a gentle candied note. The warm vintage shows through, giving it a slightly New World character. The long finish is dominated by brown spices and a slight minerality. Raised in American and French oak barrels for 14 months. Still on the way up, this is a delicious wine. Drink now, or watch it develop over the next 10 years. (This could be classified as a Reserva; odd that they do not).
Excellent (CDN $37 incl tax at BC Liquor Stores *good value)
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