Carignane is a high yielding, high acid grape usually used as a deep coloring component in blends. The variety is a difficult grape for winemakers to master and requires a lot of skill to produce a wine of finesse. With lower yields and better winemaking protocol, the wines are rich and distinctive.  The 2010 Carignane is from the Santa Ynez Valley where the lower yield fruit was de-stemmed into open top fermenters. Frequent punch downs and a long post fermentation maceration ensured depth and complexity. The wine was then pressed off and racked to barrel. After a lengthy time in barrel, the wine is now totally integrated, with the deep berry, spice and leather character of an Old World treasure. Bottle Price: $35.00

The fruit comes from the Old San Antonio Vineyard in Los Alamos. Pinot from this region is dense and direct yet eloquent, which is a quality well suited to an Old World style. This wine resembles an aged Burgundy with expressive aromatics and flavors of dried red berries, earth, mushrooms, and what sommeliers call forest floor, that smell you get from freshly fallen damp leaves. The tannins are firm and the finish long. Serve this with roast lamb or pork chop.  Bottle Price: $55.00 (limited availability)

While this is not a true field blend, it is a nod to a less exacting formulaic vision and more a quest for producing the best wine no matter the participating varietals. Santa Barbara County may be known for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but there is a whole slew of other grapes that perform admirably. The primary grape in this Field Blend is Carignane that is accompanied by Grenache, Mourvedre, and Petite Sirah. Each varietal compliments and supports the other creating a multi-dimensional wine. Extensive barrel aging brings all the elements together, so the wine drinks beautifully right now with a soft, silky finish. The wine has an integrated berry, spice and leather quality that makes it enjoyable with grilled pork chops, smoked meats, or porcini mushroom risotto. Bottle Price: $39.00

People blend wines for many reasons and are able to fine tune their blends by drawing the best characteristics from each wine blended. For centuries winemakers have started their blends right in the vineyard, growing a combination of grapes that stick together through out the entire process. Our field blend was not grown together but the fruit was cofermented together. It consists of 40% Petite Sirah, 28% Grenache, 28% Carignane, 4% Mourvedre. We gave this extended aging in barrel to create a wine of harmony yet it is still robust. The finish is full and supple. Magnum Only  (1/5L): $100.00 (very limited)