A RECORD EARLY START FOR 2015 CRUSH
It was just last year that we were talking about the history-making 2014 harvest that saw the earliest start on record. The first grapes were brought in to the Ken Brown cellars on August 25. That record has already been shattered by the 2015 harvest which began on August 12! The pace has not let up since. By the end of this week, we anticipate being about 95% complete for our 2015 vintage plan. Harvest will likely conclude before many past vintages had even started. Read more about this “low, early and fast” vintage in our harvest report below.
Meanwhile, we are thrilled to introduce two new releases from the superb 2013 vintage: Zotovich Vineyard Pinot Noir, and a new Chardonnay from the acclaimed La Rinconada Vineyard. The meticulous care that the Zotovich family gives their Sta. Rita Hills vineyard clearly shows in this vibrant, expressive wine that truly captures the essence of the vineyard. Our first bottling of Chardonnay from La Rinconada Vineyard in the heart of Sta. Rita Hills is silky, beautifully aromatic and simply delicious, with aromas of white peach, nectarine and honeysuckle. Try it with oysters on the half shell or ceviche as a first-course treat!
Be sure to follow our harvest progress on our website or Facebook page. It’s been an exciting ride!
Cheers,
NEW RELEASES
This carefully tended, family-owned vineyard is located in the northern corridor of Sta. Rita Hills and produces richly textured Pinot Noir. Pure, vibrant aromas of mixed berries and dark red cherry are accented by hints of pomegranate, black pepper and clove. The flavors are explosive on the palate with notes of dark cherry, berry, plum, fresh earth and a touch of seashell. The mouthfeel is lush and luxurious, thanks in part to the sandy soil component at Zotovich Vineyard. The wine’s bright acidity is perfectly balanced by an intrinsic richness from start to finish, ensuring superb cellar potential and even greater complexity as the wine ages. Only 120 cases made. Click here for more information or to order.
La Rinconada Vineyard is located in the heart of Sta. Rita Hills, not far from the historic Sanford & Benedict Vineyard where it all began for Sta. Rita Hills. This Chardonnay is silky and luxurious with beautifully expressive aromatics and flavors. Fresh aromas of nectarine and white peach are accented by hints of honeysuckle, lemon curd and lime blossom. On the palate, the flavors are exquisitely integrated, perfectly balancing the vibrant fruit components with subtle French oak and the wine’s natural acidity. The rich texture carries through to a seamless finish, culminating in a touch of lemon and nutmeg spice. Only 84 cases made. Click here for more information or to order.
2015 HARVEST IS “REDEFINING BUSY”
Our annual mid-August bottling of wines from the previous year’s harvest usually concludes well before the start of crush, but that was not the case this year. Sauvignon Blanc grapes from the Vogelzang Vineyard in Happy Canyon were picked on August 12 while we were bottling wines from the 2014 vintage, making for a very busy first week of harvest! During the next two weeks, we harvested Pinot Noir from Rio Vista, Zotovich, Rita’s Crown, Sanford & Benedict and Rancho La Vina. Chardonnay from Rita’s Crown was picked on August 27, and we brought in some beautiful Pinot from the scenic Radian Vineyard on the 31st.
 We expect to harvest our La Rinconada Chardonnay in the week ahead along with two of our three Syrah vineyards. Before the end of the first week of September we will only have the always late, but great Thompson Vineyard Syrah left on the vine, which is likely to be harvested mid to late September.
It appears that grapevines are becoming an excellent storyteller of how rapidly climate change is actually happening. The past three years have seen earlier and earlier starts to harvest with very mild winters and average night-time lows about 3 degrees higher than long term averages. This phenomenon seems to directly correlate with the temperature increase in the Pacific Ocean just off our coast.
Another notable detail about this year’s harvest is the low yields. 2015 is shaping up to be the lowest yielding vintage since the early days of our wine region in the mid 1970s. Pinot Noir in low-yielding vintages usually gets hit the hardest and 2015 is unfortunately an excellent example. Across the Central Coast, Pinot Noir yields are reported to be down by 30-50%. We are also seeing lower yields in both Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah. Chardonnay looks to be on track with average yields. Usually lower yields result in higher quality since berry size is normally smaller, which is certainly a factor this year. The lack of rain has resulted in some of the best looking grape clusters ever and all fermentations are progressing very well. All signs are pointing to outstanding wine quality, but lower yields will give way to lower wine production.
UPCOMING EVENTS
September 13, 2015 – Taste of the Town, Riviera Park Gardens, Santa Barbara,
12:00 to 3:00 pm
Tastings from 80 of the finest local restaurants and Central Coast wineries accompanied by live music and a silent auction of foods, wines and lifestyle items. All proceeds benefit the Arthritis Foundation.
October 9-12, 2015 – Santa Barbara Vintners Celebration of Harvest Weekend 
Our annual celebration of the year's bounty. Highlight of the weekend is the Harvest Festival Grand Tasting on Saturday, October 10 from 1 to 4 pm at Old Mission Santa Ines in Solvang. More than 120 member wineries, food sampling from local restaurants and food purveyors, pop-up seminars, live music and a silent auction.
October 11, 2015 - Harvest Celebration at Ken Brown Wines Tasting Room, 11:00 to 4:30
Celebrate the harvest season with new Ken Brown releases and food truck offerings by the Pairing Knife available for purchase from 11:30 to 3:00.
November 7, 2015 - 8th Annual Vino de Sueños at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott, 3 to 6 pm
A release celebration of the latest Vino de Sueños wines! Vino de Sueños, “Wine of Dreams,” is a wine brand conceived by the non-profit organization, Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People (PHP), and all proceeds go directly to vineyard and farm workers and their families. Tasting, sales, silent auction of original art, appetizers and live music.
ICE PACKS FOR WINE SHIPPING
Many areas of the country are still experiencing very warm temperatures. We recommend requesting “Ice Pack” with your order. The ice pack lasts for two days and will keep your wine cool during the delivery process. For shipments to CA and AZ, please choose the Ground shipping option. For all other destinations, please choose the 2nd Day Air shipping option.
KEN BROWN TASTING ROOM
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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