THE BLUR THAT IS THE 2014 HARVEST
As many of you know, I’ve been making wine in Santa Barbara County for some time now (37 years to be exact—hard to believe!) and this is the earliest harvest we’ve ever experienced and quite possibly the fastest paced as well. Picking began on August 25 with no less than three different vineyards coming in that day and the action hasn’t stopped since. Incredibly, as of Sept. 7 we have completed 63% of our harvest plan. That’s earlier than most harvests have even begun in years past! Despite the accelerated pace, grape quality is looking great. Read all the details below and be sure to follow the harvest action on our Facebook page or the Ken Brown website.
Meanwhile, we are thrilled to offer you two new releases from the excellent 2012 vintage: our Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir and Watch Hill Vineyard Syrah. I look forward every year to working with the lots to create our Sta. Rita Hills blend, which this year consists of Rita’s Crown and Rio Vista Pinot Noir—a fantastic combo! And what a statement our 2012 Syrah makes about the quality of Syrah from Los Alamos Valley! We’re excited to again feature Watch Hill Vineyard solo in this superb vineyard-designated Syrah.
Cheers!
NEW RELEASES
This wine is a beautiful blend, combining Pinot Noir from two distinct temperature zones of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. 46% of the grapes are from Rio Vista Vineyard, located at the eastern, slightly warmer end of the appellation. 54% of the fruit originates from Rita’s Crown Vineyard, which is situated further west in the appellation on a cool, dramatic hillside. The wine displays aromas of cherry cola, pomegranate and violets, highlighted by an undercurrent of rose petals, baking spices and a touch of minerality. On the palate, dark fruit components with earth tones and hints of porcini mushroom give way to flavors of black cherry and cinnamon spice. Click here for more information or to purchase.
Planted in 2002, Watch Hill Vineyard is a relatively cool site, located in the Los Alamos Valley of Santa Barbara County. This Syrah beautifully displays the sophistication and intensity typical of Watch Hill fruit. Very complex aromas of blackberry, currant and dark plum are complemented by hints of blueberry and black pepper. Explosive flavors of dense blackberry, plum and a touch of anise are supported by a rich mid-palate, moderate tannins and a bright touch of natural acidity that perfectly balances the wine. While approachable upon release, this wine will deepen in complexity and richness with additional time in the cellar. Only 163 cases made. Click here for more information or to order.
HARVEST UPDATE
If we were to describe the 2014 harvest here in Santa Barbara Wine Country in one word it would be EARLY! The growing season began with a very mild winter. With only about one week of cold winter temperatures and no frost, there was nothing to hold back the vines from pushing out new growth. Budbreak occurred in early March in most vineyards, and with very even, warm temperatures throughout the spring and summer, the vines continued their development destined for an early harvest. Sure enough, the first grapes were harvested on August 25, the earliest date on record in Santa Barbara County. We picked grapes in three separate appellations of the county that day—Pinot Noir from Rita’s Crown in Sta. Rita Hills, Chardonnay from Nielson Vineyard in Santa Maria Valley and Sauvignon Blanc from Vogelzang Vineyard in Happy Canyon/Santa Ynez Valley. Over the next seven days we brought in Pinot Noir from Rio Vista, Rita’s Crown, Radian, Rancho La Vina, and Buona Terra as well as Chardonnay from Rita’s Crown. As of September 7, we are 63% of the way through harvest—earlier than most harvests even begin in a normal year!
 For the second year in a row, crop size is normal to slightly above normal in most vineyards. The drought in California has not been a factor in the growth or quality of the wines this year. After experiencing a third year of below average rainfall, growers did employ drip irrigation early in the growing season to bolster the moisture profile of the soil. Lean conditions are ideal for ensuring intensity of aroma and flavor in the grapes, but growers are wary of another year of drought and are hoping for a return to normal rainfall patterns this winter.
A SOLUTION FOR SHIPPING IN WARM TEMPERATURES!
Shipping wine during the warm summer months can seriously jeopardize the quality of your wine, especially if you live in a particularly warm climate. To ensure its safe arrival, we now offer shipping ice packs! When placing your online order, just add “Ice Pack” to your cart and choose the 2nd Day Air shipping option. The ice packs last for two days and will keep your wine cool during the delivery process. Complete details here or contact Deborah with any questions.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Saturday, October 11 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm
At the Old Mission Santa Ines in Solvang
All 100+ winery members gather to present their wines and celebrate the harvest. Includes food from local restaurants, caterers and gourmet food purveyors as well as live music and a silent auction benefiting the Food Bank of Santa Barbara County.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PINOT DAYS
Saturday, November 15, 2014 from 2:00-5:00 pm
At the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles
A gathering of Pinot Noir producers from around the world where organizers believe “Pinot noir is way more than a grape variety - it's an art form.”
CELEBRATION OF OUR ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
IN OUR NEW TASTING ROOM
December 5-7, 2014
More details coming soon!
Click here for our complete Winery Calendar of Events
ATTENTION PRIORITY WINE CLUB MEMBERS
Your next shipment will arrive in late October.
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is open Thursday through Monday from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm
157 W. Hwy 246, Buellton, CA 93427
Tasting Room Phone 805.688.9400
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