With Diatom, Winemaker Greg Brewer seeks to capture Chardonnay in its most pure and unadulterated state. Diatom is named for diatomaceous earth, which is a plankton fossil found in the oceanic landscape of Santa Barbara County.
"Diatom is motivated by the pursuit of subtraction and refinement. It is the polishing of a grain of rice until one has reached its ultimate inner core. Our Sta. Rita Hills marine landscape is stark and so are the wines of its provenance. We strive for a recognition of place with as little disturbance, distraction or interference as possible. The resulting wines have a sense of transparency and a purity of intent and purpose." Greg Brewer Winemaker
As I wrote earlier this year, the 2019 Tronquoy-Lalande has turned out beautifully, and it continues to show very well, offering up inviting aromas of wild berries, spices, rose petals and cassis. Medium to full-bodied, layered and sensual, with lively ac...
Bottled after 24 months' élevage, much of which took place in large foudres, the 2020 Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion offers up aromas of dark berries, plums and spices complemented by hints of rose petal and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, supple and pillowy...
The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon blends multiple terroirs from the Uco Valley, with its focal point in Los Arboles. It displays a purple hue with a garnet sheen. Its nose reveals mint, ashes, currant and menthol. The dry and plush palate leaves a lingering,...
The 2021 Appellation Paraje Altamira Malbec was my favorite from this range of Malbecs from different IGs (Indicación Geograficas, the appellations of Argentina), with freshness, elegance, balance, complexity and nuance. It has moderate 13.4% alcohol and ...
The 2022 Malbec originates from the Uco Valley and is a blend of various regions and winemaking techniques. Purple in hue. The nose reveals enticing notes ranging from crushed plums to violets atop a faintly herbal backdrop. Indulgent and juicy, the...
The 2022 Catena Chardonnay is a medicinal and balsamic expression of the varietal, with aromas of bay leaf and white flowers. The palate is dry and medium-bodied with mellow acidity and moderate ripeness and alcohol
Similar to the Malbec, the 2021 Catena Cabernet Sauvignon was also produced in an approachable and commercial style, with good ripeness, some varietal character and a combination of berries, herbs and spicy oak that makes it attractive and easy to underst...
The 2021 Malbec Catena is a blend of grapes from the Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza and was aged for up to eight months in varied use barrels. Purple in the glass. The nose presents notes of fresh plum, herbs and hints of violet against an oaky ...