Santa Ynez. Solo.

So while Lauren was away in SB for a bachelorette party, I decided to go up to Santa Ynez to pick our club shipments and taste a little wine. Rough life. I know.

Up first was Foxen ...
2006 Foxen Viognier, Vogelzang Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley (Happy Canyon)
2007 Foxen Chardonnay, Tinaquaic Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley
2007 Foxen Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley 2006 Foxen Cuvée Jeanne Marie, Williamson Doré Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley
2005 Foxen Range 30 West, Santa Ynez Valley (Happy Canyon)
2006 Foxen Syrah, Toasted Rope, Santa Ynez Valley
2006 Foxen Mission Accomplished, Rancho Tepusquet Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley

The Toasted Rope syrah is 15% Viognier and it was really 'bright' ... will probably come down a bit as the wine integrates with a little more bottle age. Really liked the Range 30 West.

Up next was Beckmen...

2007 Beckmen Sauvignon Blanc, Purisima Mountain Vineyard
2006 Beckmen Marsanne, Purisima Mountain Vineyard
2006 Beckmen Grenache, Estate
2006 Beckmen Grenache, Purisima Mountain Vineyard
2007 Beckmen Grenache, Whole Cluster, Purisima Mountain Vineyard
2006 Beckmen Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate
2007 Beckmen Syrah, Estate
2006 Beckmen Syrah, Purisima Mountain Vineyard
2006 Beckmen "Purisima"

Standout for me was the Estate Grenache ... just drinking wonderfully. I had two pours of it, one from a bottle that had been open for about 2 hours, and one from a newly opened bottle. Definitely recommend opening this one 2 hours before ... so much better. The Whole Cluster Grenache was from a newly opened bottle as well and could've definitely used some time in a decanter. The Estate Syrah was rich with chocolate flavors. Little tidbit ... Beckmen apparently got their Grenache Blanc from an albino Grenache Noir vine ... they cloned it and planted an entire block of it. Interesting.

And finally to Sunstone...

2000 Sunstone "Sunterra"
2005 Sunstone "Rhapsodie du Soleil"
2006 Sunstone Cabernet Franc
2005 Sunstone "Eros"
2005 Sunstone Syrah, Reserve
2003 Sunstone "Eros"

I skipped the whites and the port they were pouring because the place was a madhouse and I just wanted to go quickly. Actually was trying to get through it so quickly that I don't quite remember much about the wine! Oops.