August 9, 2001
Harvest 2001!It's early August and grapes are softening and beginning to change color. This occurrence is what the French call veraision. The word out here on the backroads is that harvest will be early this year. Except for a brief hot spell earlier, summer days have been quite temperate providing even ripening and long hang time for the fruit. And by all accounts, the harvest for 2001 is expected to be very good.
Winemaker of the Year
Craig Macmillan, winemaker for Royal Oaks Winery in the Santa Ynez Valley, was named "Winemaker of the Year-2001" by the Central Coast Winegrowers Association for his "outstanding contributions to the local wine industry." The award was presented as part of the KCBX Wine Classic, a week-long event event culminating in one of the nation's largest auctions for fine and rare wine to raise funds for local public radio.
Mr. Macmillan was recognized for his work with the CCWGA's Public Awareness Committee and the Wine Industry Task Force. His efforts have played an important role in fostering better relations between the vineyards and wineries of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties and environmentalists, county government, state and federal regulatory agencies, as well as the community-at-large.
KCBX Wine Classic
And speaking of the KCBX Wine Classic, Executive Director, Archie McLaren told me proceeds for the 17th annual KCBX Central Coast Wine Auction Classic exceeded one million dollars for the third straight year. With a combination of live and silent auction proceeds exceeding $700,000 and registrations topping 6,700 people and sponsorships, the event grossed over $1.1 million.
New Vintners Map
The Santa Barbara County Vintners' Association has just published a new winery map. The newest edition lists 56 winery entries and 29 grower members. To get a copy of the map, call the vintners' office at (805) 688-0881.
Rancho Sisquoc Winery
Last week I visited Rancho Sisquoc Winery in the Santa Maria Valley. Rancho Sisquoc is a lovely place to visit, and has a great picnic area-one of my favorites. The reason I stopped by was to taste their very first pinot noir, a 1999 vintage. Rancho Sisquoc-a pioneering producer going back to the early 70s has always grown and produced Bordeaux varietals such as cabernet sauvignon, merlot and sauvignon blanc plus chardonnay and sylvaner. The winery's 1.9 acres of pinot noir produced 1.37 tons of fruit which yielded 70 cases. The wine sells at the winery for $40 a bottle. This is a noble first effort.
Also, check out Rancho Sisquoc's 1998 merlot, aged in French oak. Great mouthfeel and very tasty. If you are a regular reader of this column then you know merlot is not one of my favorite varietals. This one is worth search out. $20. The winery has always produced notable Bordeaux-style wines-along with Foxen and Buttonwood Farm-and this 1998 release is one of the best!
Salud.
Bob Senn writes The Independent's monthly wine column, "Grapevine," lives in the Los Alamos Valley and owns the Los Olivos Wine & Spirits Emporium.
