Santa Barbara County is the southern half of California’s Central Coast wine region. It takes in almost 10,000 km2 moving north from Santa Barbara to Santa Maria and then inland from there. It combines stunning beauty, from gorgeous coastlines to beautiful interior rolling hills. And as we recently discovered, it is making some outstanding wines at very fair prices.
2007 Walter Hansel “The South Slope Vineyard” Pinot Noir
A terrific example of a top Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Beautifully balanced with dark red fruits, specifically cherries and currants, combined with black pepper and earth and just enough vanilla to give it a little creaminess. Tons of complexity and expressiveness to this wine, a very smooth mouth feel and a surprisingly long finish for a Pinot Noir. Elegant and structured, this showed everything we love about this variety.
Excellent +
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2002 Jacquesson & Fils Champagne Millésimé
Wow. Our expectations were high and the 2002 Jacquesson did not disappoint. At 57% Pinot Noir and 43% Chardonnay (disgorged in December 2011), it showed classic autolytic notes of brioche and yeast supported with notes of apple, pear and almond. Although rich and creamy in texture it was still quite delicate likely owing to the low dosage of 3.5g/l. Medium in body with a lovely acidity this is a wonderfully balanced Champagne that is ready to drink!
Extraordinary
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2010 Talley Vineyards Chardonnay Rosemary’s Vineyard
Deep gold in colour, the nose revealed terrific complexity with apple, lemon, honey and some stone fruit and tropical notes. The body didn’t disappoint showing beautiful balance as a powerful but not overpowering wine. A smooth, plush mouthfeel with medium acidity and a lovely long finish.
Excellent +
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Iron Horse Vineyards is the love and labour of Californians Audrey and Barry Sterling. In 1976 they drove along the one lane road just outside of the town of Occidental in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County, through the fog and misty rain to find this beautiful vineyard, which they bought, pretty much on the spot. The location is beautiful, often shrouded by the fog that gets held by its rolling hills, and is very remote. Almost 30 years later to the day, we drove along that same road, in similar weather conditions to find their beautiful property and taste their exquisite wines.
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