VINEYARD Mt. Carmel, Sta. Rita Hills AVA
CLONES 2A, Pommard, Swan, 828
ORIENTATION North / East
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Botella clay, sandy loam with diatomaceous earth
FERMENTATION 76% concrete, 24% wood, 19% whole cluster
ÉLEVAGE 45% new French oak for 16 months, 8% new Austrian oak for 16 months, prior to bottling 100% in stainless steel tank for 1 month
ALCOHOL 13.5%
pH 3.5
TA 5.96 g/L
AROMA
Revealing aromas of dark berry fruit, wild sage, and chaparral with pops of vine-ripened raspberry.
PALATE
Thoughtfully well-balanced with silken waves of boysenberry, black cherry, and an electric acidity that leads to a long-lasting mineral finish.
Established in 1989, Mt. Carmel was one of the first vineyards planted in the acclaimed Sta. Rita Hills appellation. An extremely cool and windy site, Mt. Carmel is primarily dry-farmed, which ensures that the roots of the vines dig deep into the site’s exceptional diatomaceous earth soils, producing a wine that is both energetic and intricate.
In 2020, the site was harvested over the course of one month with two individual picks and the extended growing season was a week past average. Revealing aromas of dark berries, sweet sage, chaparral, and salty ocean air, it dances across the palate while boysenberry, raspberry, and bracing acidity, build to a zesty, mineral-driven finish.
Fact of Note: This year, the variable weather in Sta. Rita Hills extended the growing season a week past average.
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.
