Varner 2017 Pinot Noir, Los Alamos Vineyard, Santa Barbara

Vineyard Notes Los Alamos Vineyard is half way between the town of Los Alamos and the ocean. It's just about as close to the ocean as possible to grow Pinot Noir. The Varners pick from two plots there, both are fairly steep slopes with sandy loam soil and marine rocks both at the surface and below. One block is clone 115 and the other is clone 777. The Varners like these blocks for their ability to achieve balanced flavors at moderate alcohols.

Winemaking Notes: At the winery, the fermentation is slow and cool in the beginning and pressed just at dryness to preserve the natural tannin structure of the grapes. The wine is aged in stainless steel and neutral French oak puncheons, again to preserve the structure of the wine with the least manipulation. The key is picking at just the right time and then letting the natural process of fermentation do the rest.