Happy Canyon, Santa Ynez Valley

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I know it is hard to conceptualize, but the weather here in southern California varies greatly from year to year. Some summers are torrentially hot while others are cool and foggy, and in the fall as the grapes ripen we can have moderate weather or weeks of fog or dry heat. The weather has a profound effect on the vines and the fruit produced, and this is why our wines can vary so much from year to year. In 2012 it was certainly warmer than 2010 and 2011, yet by picking early we are still able to make a wine of impeccable balance.

An aroma that has hints of lemon, fig and a minerally, smoky quality that is intriguing. The flavors are spicy and finishes with freshness and a textural quality or minerality that lingers in a lovely way.

As always, we farm to keep the crop in our areas to about half that of the other blocks at McGinley, giving us a wine that is more minerally and intensely flavored. The major change in vineyard cultural practices has been the switch to organic farming .

Every year we barrel ferment and age this wine in older French oak barrels because this regime allows the wine to breath a bit and mature gracefully. We block the malo-lactic fermentation and bottle the wine after 6 or 7 months of aging.

Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc | Alc: 12.5% | Vinification: 100% Neutral French Oak | Barrel Aging: 7 Months | Total Production: 595 cases

Press Reviews

Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar

“Light, bright yellow. Musky aromas of yellow apple, grapefruit pith and candied ginger. Sappy, focused and mineral-driven; at once rich and lively, with gentle floral lift to its sappy orchard and citrus fruit flavors. The floral note gains volume with air, adding vibrancy to a dry, gripping, linear finish.” – ST 91 Points

Antonio Galloni’s Vinous

“Light, bright yellow. Musky aromas of yellow apple, grapefruit pith and candied ginger. Sappy, focused and mineral-driven; at once rich and lively, with gentle floral lift to its sappy orchard and citrus fruit flavors. The floral note gains volume with air, adding vibrancy to a dry, gripping, linear finish.” – JR 91 Points

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“Also impressive, the 2012 Sauvignon Blanc McGinley offers racy citrus blossom, white peach and minty aromas and flavors to go with a medium-bodied, crisp and refreshing style on the palate.” – JD 90 Points