Greetings members and Subscribers!
We hope you’ve been enjoying your Spring Shipment! We wanted to do something special for all of you this summer so we’re including an extra wine for no additional charge in your shipment! After all, it is summer, and everyone can use some extra Rose’! We wanted to include two very different examples of Rose’ so that you can try each and see what you like. Rose’ is not the same as it was in the past – there are many high-quality producers and many options made with all types of different grape varietals with the goal of harvesting grapes specifically to make Rose’, which wasn’t typically done in the past. We’ve combined this with a classic Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir from one of the oldest producers in the area, and an opulent Cab/Syrah blend from a favorite Los Olivos winemaker originally from Hawaii. Don’t forget to contact us to re-order any favorites or wines you may have missed!
THE DETAILS
Kaena Wines 2016 JWB Cabernet/Syrah Red Wine
As many of you know, Mike’s passion for sailboat racing dates back to his childhood summers where he watched the finish of many Transpac Races, which are held every other year from LA to Honolulu. During those Hawaiian summers, he learned to love the Aloha Spirit of the islands. It is now one of our favorite places to visit. In this shipment, we are including a wine from a special winemaker, Mikael Sigouin of Kaena Wines. Mikael is part Hawaiian and was raised on Oahu shores. Kaena comes from a shortened version of his given name, “Ka’ena’ai”, which means “potential for greatness”. Their brand and labels reflect a traditional Hawaiian quilt pattern. He is a talented winemaker known mainly for the best Grenache around, but unfortunately, it sells out to his wine club and his tasting room. However, if you visit Los Olivos, let us know and we’ll take you there! He does, however, make some other great varietals. Many of our club members enjoy bigger reds, and we wanted to share JWB, a limited release (only 100 cases made), a blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon and 34% Syrah. This wine was named for John William Belfy of Buona Terra Farming who farmed all the grapes, and was modeled after a wine that Mike made when he worked at Beckman, “TLB”. This blend of grapes is unique, yet gaining popularity because it brings the richness of both varietals together and enhances both.
Jalopy Wine and Music – Guns and Rose’ Wines
Although winemaker and musician Luke Sundquist is located in our wine-tasting-focused town of Los Olivos, he is off the beaten path. He’s the only one in his tasting room, and is always spinning some classic rock tunes which draws people in. It seems like music and winemaking pair well together – blending melody and harmony, bringing out subtleties in the music – you see the parallel? It really makes a difference when you can speak directly to the winemaker about their wines. We had a great time tasting wine with Luke, and the fact that he offers two very distinct Rose’ wines gave us the idea to provide you with a bonus Rose’ so that you could try both. The unique bottle shape and labels are very cool as well and will be fun to share with friends. The first 2016 wine uniquely features 50% Grenache and 50% Sangiovese grapes from two local, small family-farmed vineyards, both meticulously pruned, nurtured, and picked specifically to produce a high-quality Provence-style rose’. Winemakers notes highlight bright strawberry, watermelon, smoked peach, and honeydew flavors with a refreshing mineral core and a beautiful, clean finish.
The second Rose’ is a 2015 Rose’ of 40% Syrah, 30% Grenache, and 30% Merlot – a blend you rarely see in a Rose’, which gives it a much greater punch of flavors. This is such an easy drinking wine – you can serve it to anyone! Both wines are perfect for a picnic, a boat ride, or any summertime party!
Lafond Winery and Vineyards – 2014 Pinot Noir Clone 777
Lafond has one of the most beautiful settings of any winery in the SY Valley and we seem to visit it often, usually buying a case while there. Located on picturesque Santa Rosa Road, it feels like you are in another world full of farms and vineyards. Pierre Lafond started farming grapes in 1962 and was one of the first wineries in the valley with Santa Barbara Winery. In 2016, the New York International Wine Competition named his second winery, Lafond, as Santa Barbara winery of the year. Many accolades have followed. Although Lafond offers many great wines with grapes sourced entirely from their own vineyards, their location in the Sta. Rita Hills affords them the opportunity to make great Pinot Noir. This wine is made from a favorite Pinot Noir vine clone, Clone 777. This wine was a Gold Medal Winner in the 2018 Orange County Commercial Wine Competition. Winemaker’s comments: “This was one of my favorite lots of the vintage. We were able to extend and macerate this fermenter for 52 days, keeping the wine on the skins, before pressing. This added spicy aroma and complexity to intense bright cherry fruit and a long persistent finish.” To learn more about Pinot grapes, clones, and more, check out this article from Wine Folly at https://winefolly.com/review/big-secret-pinot/.
Aloha and Mahalo!
Mike and Mary