Santa Barbara Winery 2005 Negrette
The 2005 vintage Negrette from Andrew Joughin’s vineyard near Los Olivos is a welcome sight after growing conditions precluded a 2004 vintage from Mr. Joughin’s central Santa Ynez Valley vineyard. A very uncommon varietal in California; we have yet to see another winery bottle this varietal. Negrette traces its origins to the warm climate area north of Toulouse in southwestern France where it is known for its dark color and fragrant berry aroma and flavor.
The warmer climate around Los Olivos combined with a relatively long growing season yields a Negrette with interesting flavor and a touch more complexity than one usually finds with this grape. Winemaker Bruce McGuire sums up this wine with a two word description, “very berry”. Bruce made 12 barrels of this wine utilzing a mix of American and Hungarian oak of which 30% were new barrels.
The barrel aging added a little spice and body to further compliment food. Another easy wine to pair with washed rind cheeses; it would also be a good choice for hearty Mexican cuisine or Bistro style fare. Paring with food is highly recommended to cut the firm acid, bottle aging will probably be rewarded in 2010.
The wine sells for 22.00/750ml. To Order:
Winemaker Bruce McGuire jumped at the chance to make his first Nebbiolo back in 1998 when a small amount became available from the Stolpman Vineyard out in Ballard Canyon. Bruce did not get a chance to make a second edition until this 2004 vintage when a small amont was available from this vineyard, a vineyard rapidly gaining a good reputation for Italian varieties.
Nebbiolo is a true vintners challenge.Often described as the noblest grape of Italy, it is fond in the northern Piedmont region and is most familiar when bottled as Barolo and Barbaresco. One of the most finicky grapes to grow, Nebbiolo will reward careful site selection with big beautiful wines. Should the soil, exposure, or climate be less than perfect the vintner is handed truckloads of frustration in the form of under ripe grapes and thin, uninteresting wines.
The very high tannin and acid found in this grape meant a long time in the barrel (bottled in June of 2006) and then almost a year and a half of cellar time in the bottle before Bruce deemed the 2004 Nebbiolo ready for release. The tannins will continue to resolve and flavors will further develop through 2011. Try this beauty with a big dish of white truffle pasta or experiment with a variety of artisan cheeses from the Piedmont region.
2004 Stolpman Vineyard Nebbiolo: Suggested Retail 30.00 (750ml)
To order
This week we are picking Chardonnay from our neighbor, Hilltop Ranch. Hilltop Ranch has 32 acres of Chardonnay which we have purchased for many years. As a good neighbor, we go through their property to access our vineyard on the north side of the river. This is an older vineyard, close to 30 years, and it has been upgraded in the past few years using a modern trellis system producing an excellent fruit.
Since they do not pick at night their second picking, about 7 tons, is stored in our large walk-in cooler overnight, while the first load picked early, also 7 tons, is processed at the winery.
All our white wines are made at the Santa Barbara Winery which as an urban winery poses unique problems but also advantages. The main problem, of course, is traffic but the advantages — services, power and delivery — compensate.
The slideshow — from picking to pressing. You can enlarge the image by clicking it (it may take a little practice).
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