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 Comments: This block was originally planted to Zinfandel in the mid 80's. In the mid 90's it was grafted to Syrah because of the success of Lafond Vineyard's Syrah in the adjoining property. This 2016 Syrah experienced late ripening with cool climate spice of white pepper, camphor, and dark bramble fruit. It spent 52 days on the skins for texture and length of finish.