Features

2007 Groundwork Grenache $20

EXTREMELY LIMITED

Sans Liege is the brain-child of Curt Schalchlin who worked for David Corey of Core Wines and Russell From and Mac Myers of Barrel 27, Herman Story and McPrice Myers. You wouldn't mistake these wines for their French counterparts but they well reflect how these varietals express themselves here in California. The 2007 Groundwork Santa Barbara County Grenache is a hedonistic example of this grape varietal. It has copious amounts of red cherry fruit, some spice notes and a smooth easy finish.

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2008 Alta Maria Chardonnay $28

James Ontiveros and Paul Wilkins have been everywhere – done everything – but all roads lead to here.  As a couple of kids in college, they bonded over an unlikely interest in wine.  Interest grew into obsession and obsession became career: one as a viticulturist and one as a winemaker.  They worked long hours and made sacrifices to become veterans in their fields, even at a young age.  They moved away, lost touch, and many years passed.

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2008 Alta Maria Pinot Noir $28

But over time, each was drawn to a region of quiet treasure: the Santa Maria Valley.  A vineyard on a hill was the setting for the second intersection of these two friends’ lives; and this time, they were prepared to make the wine that was waiting for them all along: Alta Maria Vineyards.  Their shared affinity for all things homespun and honest reflects the unflappable authenticity of the Santa Maria Valley, it’s refusal to acknowledge the whims of the masses, and the unheralded excellence of its climate, geography and soils.

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2008 Sans Liege "Cotes du Coast" $23

EXTREMELY LIMITED

The "Cotes du Coast" is a blend of 45% Viognier, 36% Roussanne and 19% Marsanne has much more tropical nuance to it. The viognier does not overwhelm the blend here and with orange peel, pineapple and guava in the forefront, this should be a great foil for Thai food.

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