LA ENCANTADA PINOT NOIR AND THOMPSON SYRAH
DEBUT AT NEW RELEASE CELEBRATION
Hello from Sta. Rita Hills Wine Country! Spring brings the arrival of a new growing season, and the promise of another harvest. What this winter didn't bring, unfortunately, is plentiful rain. While our hills are still green from winter storms, Santa Barbara County as a whole has received only 59% of normal precipitation for the 2014-15 season so far. This comes on the heels of three previous years of below normal rainfall for our area. It's too early to tell how this will affect the 2015 crop, but meanwhile we are hoping for spring showers to boost rainfall totals.
We have two fantastic new releases to share with you this month! Fans of La Encantada Vineyard will be happy to know the 2012 La Encantada Pinot Noir is finally here. The wine is stylish and elegant with luscious aromas and a velvety mouthfeel. Only 187 cases made so don't wait too long order. The 2012 Thompson Vineyard Syrah is a brand new wine for us from a long-time Los Alamos vineyard that enjoys a loyal following for its superb Syrah. Exhibiting the perfect balance of finesse and intensity, the wine is luscious and rich. Deb suggests pairing it with spring lamb or ratatouille. A scant 94 cases of the 2012 Thompson Syrah were produced, too small to include in wine club shipments. Priority Wine Club members were given the first opportunity to purchase this limited wine, but sales are now open to all mailing list and tasting room visitors.
Come taste these new releases at our New Release Celebration this Saturday, March 14 from 11:30 to 3:00. We'll have a gourmet food truck and live music as well—can you think of a better way to spend your Saturday?
Cheers,
NEW RELEASES
Located just west of the legendary Sanford & Benedict Vineyard, La Encantada is in the heart of Sta. Rita Hills' quintessential Pinot Noir zone. The 3-acre block dedicated to Ken Brown Wines is planted to Clone 115. The wine boasts a gorgeous color in the glass matched by pretty aromatics and an elegant, stylish texture on the palate. Bright, luscious aromas of tart red cherry and black raspberry are accented by a touch of cracked pepper and fresh earth. A velvety mouthfeel beautifully supports the dark cherry and dark berry flavors and culminates in an opulent, lingering finish with a hint of allspice in the background. The wine's approachable tannins and superb balance assure great cellar potential. Only 187 cases made. Click here for more information or to order.
Planted in the late 1980s, Thompson Vineyard has a well-deserved reputation for outstanding Syrah. Vines are planted on their own rootstock to the highly regarded Estrella clone. This Syrah seamlessly fuses elegance and finesse with richness and intensity. Captivating aromas of ripe boysenberry, blackberry and deep plum are complemented by hints of black pepper and subtle earthtones. Bright, luscious flavors are supported by firm tannins that gracefully bridge the wine from beginning to end. The wine culminates in a long, silky finish. Noted for its exceptional ageability, this Thompson Vineyard Syrah will continue to develop complexity and richness for a decade or more. Only 94 cases made. Click here for more information or to order.
UPCOMING EVENTS
March 14, 2015 - New Release Celebration at Ken Brown Wines Tasting Room
11:30 am to 3:00 pm
No reservations required! Our tasting flight for the day will include Ken Brown new releases for March: 2012 La Encantada Vineyard Pinot Noir and 2012 Thompson Vineyard Syrah. Tastings are $15, waived with a purchase of $50. Enjoy fresh hand-made tacos available for purchase from Valle Fresh Catering and live music performed by Loren Radis. For more information email john@kenbrownwines.com or call 805-688-9400. Join us!
April 23-26, 2015 - Santa Barbara Vintners' Spring Weekend
Four days of wine, food and fun including seminars, dinners, hikes and more.
Saturday, April 25, 2015 - FESTIVAL GRAND TASTING from 1 to 4 pm
at Riverview Park in Buellton
The centerpiece event of the weekend featuring over 120 Santa Barbara County wineries, delectable local food from restaurants, catering companies and gourmet food creators, music, art and related wine country vendors.
June 27, 2015 – Santa Barbara Wine Festival at the Museum of Natural History
2:00 to 5:00 pm
A favorite event with locals! Mingle with winemakers, bakers and chefs in the sunshine, under the oak trees along the banks of Mission Creek. One hundred percent of proceeds support science education.
Click here for our complete Winery Calendar of Events.
Special thanks to our friends at Tyler Winery, Hilliard Bruce Wines and Montemar Wines for hosting the Ken Brown team on a recent tasting trip in Sta. Rita Hills. Cheers!
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
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