The Dierberg Vineyard Chardonnay has consistently offered, and almost paradoxically so, both tropical and citrus notes. 2014 emphasized the vineyard’s lemon, lime, and fennel characters more so than previous vintages, but it also expresses classic California Chardonnay characters with lychee and a general rich, ripe fruit. What we truly adore about this wine, and what we believe intimates its age worthiness, is the focused and tight texture. Something feels very serious about this wine amidst all its subtly. Don't be fooled by initial reticence, we believe it will deliver for many, many years to come.

The Drum Canyon Chardonnay often has higher acidity levels, particularly malic acid, which lends it to a bit more secondary fermentation to bring the wine to balance. The 2014 is no exception, with a sensible harvest timing, the acid balance is just so and highlights what we often see from Sta. Rita hills Chardonnay: an almost savory saline finish.

The Dierberg Vineyard Chardonnay has consistently offered, and almost paradoxically so, both tropical and citrus notes. 2014 emphasized the vineyard’s lemon, lime, and fennel characters more so than previous vintages, but it also expresses classic California Chardonnay characters with lychee and a general rich, ripe fruit. What we truly adore about this wine, and what we believe intimates its age worthiness, is the focused and tight texture. Something feels very serious about this wine amidst all its subtly. Don't be fooled by initial reticence, we believe it will deliver for many, many years to come.

The 2014 is no exception, with a sensible harvest timing, the acid balance is just so and highlights what we often see from Sta. Rita hills Chardonnay: an almost savory saline finish.

As a result we anticipated ripe, dark fruit qualities and some mitigation of classic earthy tones from Dierberg Vineyard. We utilized stem inclusion to a degree not seen from Dierberg to date. These stems compliment dark fruit tones with hints of savory spice and earthy tones. Additionally they add structure to what is a richer vintage. Given the added depth we significantly reduced our new oak to ensure the sweet structure from oak was in line with the early vintage.

2014, while similar to 2013, did not bring the same exuberance and concentration of 2013. The vintage produced very refined, pretty, if flavorful Pinot Noirs. They represent something we’d like to see become a classic in California Pinot Noir: perfumed and complex aromatics, layered on refined and supple textures. To support this we increased stem inclusion in 2014 with the hopes of creating a balance among tannin and acid which would give the impression of firm, supple textures. Additionally, we believed this would improve age ability.

2013 was an early vintage with fruit ripening. As a result we anticipated ripe, dark fruit qualities and some mitigation of classic earthy tones from Dierberg Vineyard. We utilized stem inclusion to a degree not seen from Dierberg to date. These stems compliment dark fruit tones with hints of savory spice and earthy tones. Additionally they add structure to what is a richer vintage. Given the added depth we significantly reduced our new oak to ensure the sweet structure from oak was in line with the early vintage.

2014, while similar to 2013, did not bring the same exuberance and concentration of 2013. The vintage produced very refined, pretty, if flavorful Pinot Noirs. They represent something we’d like to see become a classic in California Pinot Noir: perfumed and complex aromatics, layered on refined and supple textures. To support this we increased stem inclusion in 2014 with the hopes of creating a balance among tannin and acid which would give the impression of firm, supple textures. Additionally, we believed this would improve age ability.

It is a treat to have this small acre of Syrah at the Dierberg Vineyard. Cool climates, like Santa Maria Valley, in warmer vintages like 2014, can show a very exciting side of Syrah. Co-fermented with Viognier to elevate floral aromatics and add a bit of pepper (through inclusion of Viognier stems), Syrah from this vineyard demonstrates a ripe blackberry quality with savory, almost roasted accents. One small fermenter of 100% Syrah but stem inclusion was also used in the bled to add firmer structure to the richly oriented flavor profile. Aged in neutral barrels mostly because new oak adds little value to this type of Syrah there was very little we had to do to this wine other than offer patience.

Syrah from warmer climates such as Star Lane Vineyard often carry high fruit characteristics. However historical examples of Syrah from the property remind us that gravelly soils in dry climates encourage Syrah’s garrigue, savory flavors in spite of expectations based on climate. 2013 was no exception and the best way to approach such fruit is with a deft hand and patience. A small amount of stem inclusion was used for texture, a touch of new oak for sweetness, and a few rackings during aging to allow the wine to breath were all the tools applied. We anticipate this wine developing its aromatics over many years to come.

Syrah from warmer climates such as Star Lane Vineyard often carry high fruit characteristics. However historical examples of Syrah from the property remind us that gravelly soils in dry climates encourage Syrah’s garrigue, savory flavors in spite of expectations based on climate. 2013 was no exception and the best way to approach such fruit is with a deft hand and patience. A small amount of stem inclusion was used for texture, a touch of new oak for sweetness, and a few rackings during aging to allow the wine to breath were all the tools applied. We anticipate this wine developing its aromatics over many years to come.

It is a treat to have this small acre of Syrah at the Dierberg Vineyard. Cool climates, like Santa Maria Valley, in warmer vintages like 2014, can show a very exciting side of Syrah. Co-fermented with Viognier to elevate floral aromatics and add a bit of pepper (through inclusion of Viognier stems), Syrah from this vineyard demonstrates a ripe blackberry quality with savory, almost roasted accents. One small fermenter of 100% Syrah but stem inclusion was also used in the bled to add firmer structure to the richly oriented flavor profile. Aged in neutral barrels mostly because new oak adds little value to this type of Syrah there was very little we had to do to this wine other than offer patience.

Namely the fruit permits longer skin contact without over-extraction, promotes classic Cabernet flavors with rich California textures, and integrates new oak at a much higher percentage allowing for increased complexity and age ability. The 2012 is nearly 100% own rooted as we just didn’t feel as though other components were contributing in a manner that added the right complexity (as it sometimes does in other years). This vintage is truly a rare breed, 100% Cabernet and a taste of growing from centuries past.

When searching for our best barrels and lots for Astral, over the years we have found ourselves gravitating toward own-rooted vineyard blocks. Most wine is grown on root species different than the above ground material. It has been this way since the later 19th century due to a soil born pest. Knowing pressure from this pest is reduced in our area, we have taken the risk to revisit what it might have been like to taste wine from those vines of 100 years past. We have observed that the vines do behave differently, and so does the wine. Namely the fruit permits longer skin contact without over-extraction, promotes classic Cabernet flavors with rich California textures, and integrates new oak at a much higher percentage allowing for increased complexity and age ability. The 2012 is nearly 100% own rooted as we just didn’t feel as though other components were contributing in a manner that added the right complexity (as it sometimes does in other years). This vintage is truly a rare breed, 100% Cabernet and a taste of growing from centuries past.

Cabernet Franc always seems to offer a unique savory component (anise, flavored wet tobacco) to pair with its cherry firm structure. We set out to capture these elements and like our Merlot the majority of the grapes sourced for this wine are perched within a saddle between two tall peaks at Star Lane Vineyard. Thirteen hundred feet above sea level and exposed to daily afternoon breezes, a dampening of diurnal temperature swings promote ripening and balance. To reign in firm tannins we fermented in small, open top fermenters, and limited new oak. While the higher elevation fruit brought red fruit and anise, we loved the fresh tobacco notes and structure supplied by a cooler, loamy part of the vineyard.

Cabernet Franc always seems to offer a unique savory component (anise, flavored wet tobacco) to pair with its cherry firm structure. We set out to capture these elements and like our Merlot the majority of the grapes sourced for this wine are perched within a saddle between two tall peaks at Star Lane Vineyard. Thirteen hundred feet above sea level and exposed to daily afternoon breezes, a dampening of diurnal temperature swings promote ripening and balance. To reign in firm tannins we fermented in small, open top fermenters, and limited new oak. While the higher elevation fruit brought red fruit and anise, we loved the fresh tobacco notes and structure supplied by a cooler, loamy part of the vineyard. The two areas, combined with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon for richness, have produced a signature Cabernet Franc from Star Lane Vineyard.

In 2013 we challenged ourselves to improve the study of Star Lane by increasing the amount of small lot fermentations we conducted. We produced over 30 different Cabernet Sauvignon lots entirely predicated on differences we observed in the vineyard. That is to say, the vineyard drove these differences and we wanted to capture that in the cellar. As a result we produced a wide array of Cabernet Sauvignon flavors and textures. It was out of this many that we procured one great Cabernet. Once we found how to best bring together the different profiles of Cabernet we sought to use Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Malbec to add an extra layer of deliciousness to the final wine.

In 2013 we challenged ourselves to improve the study of Star Lane by increasing the amount of small lot fermentations we conducted. We produced over 30 different Cabernet Sauvignon lots entirely predicated on differences we observed in the vineyard. That is to say, the vineyard drove these differences and we wanted to capture that in the cellar. As a result we produced a wide array of Cabernet Sauvignon flavors and textures. It was out of this many that we procured one great Cabernet. Once we found how to best bring together the different profiles of Cabernet we sought to use Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Malbec to add an extra layer of deliciousness to the final wine.

Thirteen hundred feet above sea level and exposed to daily afternoon breezes, a dampening of diurnal temperature swings promotes ripening and balance. We observed this higher elevation block express pure black fruit with resolved tannins early in October. Fermented in small, open top fermenters, its purity and inherent structure called for no new oak. Instead we utilized once and twice used barrels for aging, then blended in a touch of more structured Merlot from the base of the ranch (aged in new barrels), and finally a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon (also new oak) to add mid palate weight without losing the main parcel’s distinction.

Seeking to evoke that charm and serious qualities of great Merlot, the majority of the grapes sourced for this wine are perched within a saddle between two tall peaks at Star Lane Vineyard. Thirteen hundred feet above sea level and exposed to daily afternoon breezes, a dampening of diurnal temperature swings promotes ripening and balance. Instead we utilized once and twice used barrels for aging, then blended in a touch of more structured Merlot from the base of the ranch (aged in new barrels), and finally a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon (also new oak) to add mid palate weight without losing the main parcel’s distinction.

Producing Rosé of Malbec is a joy. Whole cluster pressed without crushing and limited skin contact time keeps Malbec’s penchant for ample color in check leading to a salmon colored, pastel Rosé. This wine is sourced from a particular vigorous section of Star Lane Vineyard’s Malbec which promotes higher acidity and is perfect for Rosé. The wine was produced simply, in stainless steel fermenters, and did undergo secondary fermentation to balance the higher acid at harvest.

Producing Rosé of Malbec is a joy. Whole cluster pressed without crushing and limited skin contact time keeps Malbec’s penchant for ample color in check leading to a salmon colored, pastel Rosé. This wine is sourced from a particular vigorous section of Star Lane Vineyard’s Malbec which promotes higher acidity and is perfect for Rosé. The wine was produced simply, in stainless steel fermenters, and did undergo secondary fermentation to balance the higher acid at harvest.

All led to preservation of a classic Star Lane Sauvignon Blanc: clean, floral, fresh, and delicious.

One point of differentiation we observed with 2016 Sauvignon Blanc prior to harvest were lower acidity levels. As the fruit developed, flavors were full and bright, but acids declined faster for the same potential alcohol we’d seen in the past. With our goal to produce aromatic, vibrant, and fresh Sauvignon Blanc we used several tools to ensure the consistency of freshness many have come to expect: slightly earlier harvest times, more stainless steel fermentation, and no secondary fermentation. All led to preservation of a classic Star Lane Sauvignon Blanc: clean, floral, fresh, and delicious.

2013 was an early vintage that promoted fruit forward qualities in our Cabernet. This warm, dry vintage also promoted an increase in tannin and color concentration. We sought to balance the extra structure with cooler ferments and shorter macerations to deliver a more open, approachable Cabernet Sauvignon.

2013 was an early vintage that promoted fruit forward qualities in our Cabernet. This warm, dry vintage also promoted an increase in tannin and color concentration. We sought to balance the extra structure with cooler ferments and shorter macerations to deliver a more open, approachable Cabernet Sauvignon

Three Siants Pinot Noir is a mixture of specific blocks farmed for Three Saints, and a selection of barrels picked for their forward nature and ability to represent delicious Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir. The structure of this Pinot Noir is open, soft, and silky due to shorter maceration times. With a desire for the wine to be available and delicious early in its life, we only utilize neutral oak barrels throughout aging, shorten the time in barrel, and bottle sooner.

Three Siants Pinot Noir is a mixture of specific blocks farmed for Three Saints, and a selection of barrels picked for their forward nature and ability to represent delicious Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir. The structure of this Pinot Noir is open, soft, and silky due to shorter maceration times. With a desire for the wine to be available and delicious early in its life, we only utilize neutral oak barrels throughout aging, shorten the time in barrel, and bottle sooner.