Santa Barbara Winemakers. August Edition.

Featured video.

The learning curve continues this month with Clay Brock the winemaker at Zaca Mesa. Clay gives an insight into how he uses the barrels for the 8 Barrel syrah, a winery exclusive. Clay is also the owner of Trou de Bonde where he makes a tasty pinot blanc that was reviewed here back in March. There is a lot of very useful information about technique especially when it comes to grenache and pinot blanc, you may need to watch this a couple of times to get the full depth. Just click the label.



As usual QuickTime is the format for watching the videos, make sure it is loaded on your computer, you don't know what you are missing. Windows user get Quicktime for free here

For all our other video interviews head on over to the Screening Room.


August 28
China puts its name on the world wine map. Read about it in the Foreign Office.


August 17
Tasting Notes. 2003 syrah from Foxen, this is from the Williamson-Doré Vineyard. Too good to miss out on this one. With only 450 cases produced (multiply by twelve and you know how little of this can go around).

August 14
The August edition of Wine Enthusiast has given Clay Brock's Trou de Bonde pinot blanc 94 points. Their quote: "From the head winemaker at Zaca Mesa, a phenomenal wine from this top vineyard. Easily one of the best California Pinot Blancs I’ve ever tasted. It’s rich and honeyed, almost decadent in marzipan flavors, but richly dry with a wonderful streak of acidity. Try this as an alternative to a top Chard."

August 9
Tasting notes on Jaffurs' 2004 petite sirah.

August 7
Plam update. Plam Vineyards, the one you see from the River course at Alisal, the 9th and 13th holes I think, has now become Mission Estate Vineyard, there are about 58 acres and the plan is to pull up the vines and replant with Rhônes.

August 6
"As You Like It" will premiere at the Fess Parker Winery from August 12th - August 20th and will continue its run at the Casa De La Guerra from August 26th - September 3rd. Performances are Saturdays & Sundays at 6pm. This year’s production continues the tradition of combining professional theatre, ultra-premium wines and the natural beauty of Santa Barbara in the summer. Tickets are $22 General Admission, $18 Students & Seniors (65+), $15 Children 12 & under.

August 5
Weather has started to cool down again after last weeks' blistering 115c, it does seem the grapes have caught up though and some vines are just coming into veraison, there is already talk of harvest in 6 to 8 weeks time.

August 2
Found out that the Plam facility has been taken over. Stay tuned.

August 1
Yep, doing a bit of advertising this month. Take the chance to try out some great food and sample some of California's juice to wash it down with over at the LA Convention Center, looking at the menus it might be why the SY tasting rooms will be quiet on those days.