Santa Ynez, quickly

First trip to Santa Ynez with the new baby, Amelia. Overall she was great and didn't cause any interruptions. However, it is much slower-going and gone are the days of cramming in 5 or 6 tastings! Probably for the better though. This trip was just to pick up our club shipments that had been adding up since our last trip up. Up first was Alma Rosa...


2008 Alma Rosa Pinot Noir, Clone 115, La Encantada Vineyard
2008 Alma Rosa Pinot Noir, Clone 667, La Encantada Vineyard
2007 Alma Rosa Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills
2007 Alma Rosa Pinot Noir, La Encantada Vineyard
2006 Alma Rosa Pinot Noir, La Encantada Vineyard
2007 Alma Rosa Pinto Blanc, La Encantada Vineyard

Favorites were the 115 and the two La Encantada pinot releases. I think I would have to choose the 07 if forced to make up my mind, but the 06 was fantastic as well. Also enjoyed the Pinot Blanc at the end, very nice dry wine. Up next was the drive to Foxen, and their new tasting room :(

2007 Foxen Chenin Blanc, Ernesto Wickenden Vineyard
2008 Foxen Chardonnay, Tinaquaic Vineyard
2008 Foxen Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley
2007 Foxen "Cuvee Jeanne Marie"
2006 Foxen Syrah, Tinaquaic Vineyard
2007 Foxen Chenin Blanc "Late Harvest", Ernesto Wickenden Vineyard

At the top was clearly the 06 Syrah Tinaquaic. I just love everything that comes out of this vineyard (including the Chardonnay that I almost purchased), but this Syrah is outstanding. Big and bold but not too overwhelming, great balance. Also love the late harvest Chenin Blanc. Up next was D'Alfonso-Curran, but they were closed so we drove back up into Los Olivos to go to Stolpman before heading back home.

2008 Stolpman Sauvignon Blanc
2006 Stolpman "L'Avion"
2007 Stolpman "La Coppa Blanc"
2006 Stolpman Sangiovese
2007 Stolpman Syrah, Estate
2006 Stolpman Syrah "Hilltops"
2007 Stolpman "La Croce"
2006 Stolpman "La Croce"
2005 Stolpman Syrah "La Coppa"

The "L'Avion" wasn't showing particularly well today, but I know it's fantastic. I liked the 06 La Croce much better than the 07 version, but it was probably just the effects of letting it age an additional year in bottle, so I'm sure the 07 will be even better in a year. We bought bottles of the La Coppa Syrah and a 2000 Sangiovese that they weren't pouring. Should be fun to drink in the coming weeks.

A final picture in the vineyards just off Alisos Canyon Road on our way to Foxen....