We consistently produce an uncharacteristically well concentrated, rich, ruby red Grenache. Cold soaking the fruit for 36 hours along with a 14 day, open top fermentation expanded the extraction. An 18 month stay in French oak barrels, tones the fruit character creating a wine of strength and grace. It is very aromatic with a fragrant, spicy nose of ripe raspberries, plums, candied dark cherries, clove, rose hip, mint tea, and an earthy peatiness that carries through to the palate. A mosaic of tannins supports the lively fruit and creates a supple, full body and lingering finish. Serve with herb crusted roast lamb, stuffed pork chops, wild game, or even an oak grilled, medium-rare hamburger.  Bottle Price: $24.00

In 2001 we changed winemaking protocol for our reds to further increase the intensity of flavors. Frequent punch downs were employed as well as a method called “rack-and-return” or delestage. This process deconstructs the fruit to eventually construct a wine that magnifies the aromatics, flavors and texture. The fruit for this vintage is once again from the Thompson Vineyard in Los Alamos and the wine is 100 percent varietal as with all other past vintages.  The 2001 vintage offers the same immense fruit reminiscent of ripe blackberries, blueberries and spice supported by a toasty vanilla component like the 2000 vintage.  While the 2000 has a more dusty, earthy character reminiscent of older French wines, the 2001 offers more depth and weight.  Bottle Price: $24.00

In Santa Barbara County, Cabernet Franc takes on a richer, deeper, more complex personality than many other winegrowing regions worldwide. With our longer growing season, the extra hang time on the vines allows the grapes to develop additional dimensions. The south facing, steep slopes in the hills of the Thompson Vineyard in the Los Alamos Valley means excellent sun exposure and drainage for complete ripening and best possible flavors. The fermentation and extended maceration lasted for a combination of 28 days.   To capture the true expression of the varietal from a single source the wine is 100 percent Cabernet Franc.  This rich wine has immense fruit reminiscent of ripe blackberries, blueberries and spice supported by a toasty vanilla component from 23 months barrel age, one third new French oak. It has a supple, full-body and a lingering, elegant finish.  Bottle Price: $24.00