VINEYARD Mt. Carmel
CLONES Wente
ORIENTATION North/South
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Botella clay and limestone
FERMENTATION 100% native barrel ferment / 100% new oak, puncheon 500L
OAK 33% new French oak / 66% new Austrian oak / aged 15 months
ALCOHOL 13.0%
AROMA
Sage, honey and beeswax jump from the glass giving way to lemon rind and chamomile tea. Wet stone and seashells announce their presence framed by a sandalwood lift.
PALATE
Focused with textural cream, combined with bright acidity to tantalize the palate.
Planted in 1989, Mt. Carmel sits at 500 ft. overlooking the Santa Ynez River. As one of the first vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation, this historic and iconic vineyard consists of six blocks, planted to a variety of organically and primarily dry-farmed, heritage chardonnay and pinot noir clones. Heavily influenced by its soil combination; loose, well-drained limestone, botella clay, diatomaceous earth, calcareous deposits and sandy loam, the Chardonnay from this site is dense yet delicate.
Fact of Note: Our first Single Vineyard Pinot from Sta. Rita Hills.
THE STA. RITA HILLS IS located between the towns of Buellton and Lompoc in Santa Barbara County. A critical component for this region’s success is its cool climate and the purely East/West mountain range, whose maritime mouth funnels coastal fog and wind to the vines. This unique orientation, coupled with exceptional Botella clay and limestone soils, produces wines that are as focused and bright as they are alluring.
Before you hit the Sta. Rita Hills, stretch your legs and explore the various hotels, restaurants, parks, and shops of the quaint town of Buellton. Now famous after making its silver screen debut in the movie Sideways, you can relive the film by visiting one of the many charming eateries and must-go spots when in the area.
