The Sta. Rita Hills is a small appellation at the western end of the Santa Ynez Valley that has gained national recognition for its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah.

The Valley runs west to east permitting the late afternoon ocean fog to roll into the Sta. Rita Hills, where it lingers until early morning. The surrounding hills trap the fog before it is dissipated in the wider Santa Ynez Valley.

In the spring when frost is our biggest concern a layer of fog over the vineyard can provide protection. In the summer the fog moderates the normally warm days of the valley, cooling the grapes at night. Warm days and cool nights are what gives our Sta. Rita Hills Syrah its spicy, rich and complex flavors.

Our grapes are picked at night so that when they are processed in the morning the temperature in the fermenters can be quickly dropped allowing the maximum extraction of flavor.
 
Winemaker's Comments: This vintage continues the practice of enhancing one of the fermenters with the skins from five tons of grapes from rose production. This increases the skin to juice ratio for more depth and concentration. 50 days of maceration on the skins before pressing adds length persistence. This enhances the cool climate white pepper and camphor spices.

Gold Medal Orange County Wine Competition- 90 points