' Debut of Rita's Crown Pinot & Vogelzang Sauvignon Blanc

NEWSLETTER                                                                                   OCTOBER 2014             

HARVEST 2014 IS A WRAP

The 2014 harvest is in the history books, and it sure made history. It was the earliest harvest on record—we started picking on August 25. And it was the fastest harvest on record—our last grapes were picked on September 26, just 32 days after we began. I think I will look back on this vintage as one of the most challenging ever, but it certainly is a promising vintage. The young wines are very expressive, already displaying good color and flavor. The fruit tended to be slightly lower in acid this year, which will make for softer, rounder and more approachable wines. Yields were a touch above average in most vineyards, though slightly lower than last year. We are still very busy in the cellar with primary fermentations, pressing, racking, and malo-lactic fermentations to tend to, but we will keep you posted on the journey of the 2014 wines.

So now it’s time to celebrate and we hope you’ll join us this weekend for the
Santa Barbara Vintners’ Celebration of Harvest! The Grand Tasting will take place on Saturday from 1:00 to 4:00 at the Old Mission Santa Ines in Solvang. Our tasting room will be open all weekend and we’ll be pouring two exciting new releases. We are thrilled to debut a new single-vineyard Pinot Noir, the 2012 Rita's Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir. This stunning, young vineyard has quickly become one of the gems of Sta Rita Hills, and this wine is Deb's new favorite! We also are introducing our 2013 Vogelzang Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc from the Happy Canyon appellation in the Santa Ynez Valley, a crisp, yet silky Sauvignon Blanc perfect with shellfish and autumn salads. Hope to see you soon!

Cheers!




NEW RELEASES


2012 RITA'S CROWN VINEYARD
PINOT NOIR

Planted in 2007, Rita’s Crown has quickly become one of the most highly regarded vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. The vineyard is located on a dramatic southwest facing slope at the “crown” of the Santa Rita Hills, making it one of the highest planted vineyards in the region. The wine is elegant and rich with vibrant dark cherry, wild blackberry and dark plum aromas and hints of cinnamon spice. On the palate, dark fruit flavors are enhanced by a touch of pomegranate, huckleberry and spice. The rich Pinot Noir flavors, balanced acid profile and soft tannins give the wine an exceptionally fluid texture from start to finish, assuring graceful development and excellent cellar potential. Only 183 cases made. Click here for more information or to purchase.

2013 VOGELZANG VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC

This superb vineyard is located in the Happy Canyon appellation in the Santa Ynez Valley, the “sweet spot” for quality Sauvignon Blanc. The grapes were fermented in a combination of stainless steel barrels and neutral French oak barrels to retain the crispness and integrity of the fruit. The wine displays fresh, lively aromas of white peach and tropical fruit tones, with undercurrents of honeysuckle, lemon drop and orange zest. The flavors echo the aromatics, with hints of peach and floral notes. The wine’s crisp acidity is beautifully balanced by a remarkable silky richness that frames the wine. A lingering finish is crowned by a touch of spice. Only 162 cases made. Click here for more information or to order.


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
Special events featuring gourmet food, library wines and more. Details coming soon!

Click here for our complete Winery Calendar of Events

KEN'S PRIORITY WINE CLUB

With several new vineyard-designated Pinot Noirs waiting to be released,
you won’t want to miss a thing.
JOIN TODAY!


KEN BROWN TASTING ROOM

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


www.kenbrownwines.com



KEN BROWN WINES ∙ P.O. BOX 1965 ∙ BUELLTON, CA 93427 ∙ TEL 805.688.8561 ∙ FAX 805.456.0656
EMAIL
info@kenbrownwines.comwww.kenbrownwines.com

To unsubscribe, click here.