The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon from Mt. Brave is fabulous. Inky, rich and explosive, the 2018 possesses tremendous depth and tons of personality. Graphite, blue/purplish fruit, blackberry jam, bittersweet chocolate, sage, lavender, menthol give the 2018 tons...
With Diatom, Winemaker Greg Brewer seeks to capture Chardonnay in its most pure and unadulterated state. Diatom is named for diatomaceous earth, which is a plankton fossil found in the oceanic landscape of Santa Barbara County.
"Diatom is motivated by the pursuit of subtraction and refinement. It is the polishing of a grain of rice until one has reached its ultimate inner core. Our Sta. Rita Hills marine landscape is stark and so are the wines of its provenance. We strive for a recognition of place with as little disturbance, distraction or interference as possible. The resulting wines have a sense of transparency and a purity of intent and purpose." Greg Brewer Winemaker
This shows lots of chocolate and vanilla on the nose, together with ripe dark fruit and some wet earth. Floral undertones, too. Full-bodied and balanced with a meaty structure and ripe tannin. Yet, it’s easy to drink with a medium, fruity finish. Tight, d...
The 2023 Otira Glacial Stones Sauvignon Blanc is texturally sophisticated, pure and energetic, with back-palate-weighted spices, chalky phenolics and white-scale fruits. This is a restrained, long and persistent wine, and once again, I do love it. This co...
Gently reductive upon opening (and still now, after 20 minutes in the glass), the 2021 Pinot Noir is savory and spicy with peppercorns, licorice, black cherry and a hint of tapenade. A pleasurable black tea bitterness lingers after the wine has gone. I li...