Santa Barbara County
Since 2007 we’ve been making dry Riesling from cool Kick On Ranch, and it is just the ticket for summertime drinking. Ours is dry, crisp and aromatically on the mineral and citrus side of life. Although many people who visit our tasting room initially say they don’t like Riesling, they become easy converts when they try ours and experience the refreshing nature of this wine.
Every year Kick On gives us a Riesling that is not particularly fruity, but rather exotic and distinctive. We like to think its unique character is derived from the poor sandy soils of this wind whipped site. Because the vineyard is planted so far west the harvest occurs late, usually in mid October, so the grapes have plenty of time to develop lots of personality. We gently whole cluster press them when they arrive at the winery and ferment the juice at cool temperatures in older French oak barrels.
Blend: 100% Riesling | Alc: 13% | Vinification: 100% Neutral French Oak | Barrel Aging: 7 Months | Total Production: 400 cases
Press Reviews
Robert Parkers’s Wine Advocate
“An outstanding Riesling, the 2013 Riesling Kick On Ranch was raised in almost all neutral oak and has a scant four grams of residual sugar. Beautifully balanced, with classic lychee nut, green citrus and floral notes, it’s medium-bodied, racy and lively, with its bright acidity nicely integrated. It’s great now, yet I suspect it will have an interesting evolution over the coming 4-5 years as well.” – JD 91 Points
Antonio Galloni’s Vinous
“Light, bright yellow-gold. Deeply pitched citrus and yellow plum aromas are energized by lemon pith, dusty minerals and ginger. Fleshy and dry on the palate, offering bitter lemon and pear skin flavors and a building sexy floral nuance. An exotic note of pineapple emerges on the finish, which clings with excellent clarity and stony persistence. Delivers noteworthy energy with finesse.” – JR 92 Points
