Sunstone Winery
February 1 - 28, 2012
Our first winery of the month for 2012 is both a new and old friend. After a brief hiatus, this family owned winery from Santa Ynez is back in the saddle. Beyond the new label, there are also a couple of pleasant surprises in the varietals they are offering. A white blend called Soliel Blanc (Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc) and the Chardonnay, Merlot and Syrah are now culled from single lots within the vineyard site. This gives better expression and quality to the wine and certainly a better sensory reward for your palate. And for those of you who are concerned about sustainability and organically grown grapes, they have that, too. Enjoy.
Merlot Lot No. 118 Santa Barbara County
Reg $14.99 Special $11.99
Sunstone's most award-winning and noted varietal, Lot 118 Merlot shows classic bing cherry, oak, earth and spice. This wine has a bouquet of rich blackberry and boysenberry preserves, vanilla bean, black pepper, figs, ripe plums, hints of black licorice, and cloves. Medium bodied with soft tannins, it offers bold flavors of blackberries, ripe cherries, black tea leaf and some earthy spices. Hand-crafted with 100% CCOF organic Merlot grapes. Aged in 100% French oak barrels for 22 months. 561 cases produced.
Syrah Lot No. 22 Central Coast
Reg $11.99 Special $9.99
The aromas of Lot 22 Syrah are of blackberry preserve, white tea leaves, toasted almonds, hot creamy mocha, and chamomile. The smooth and rich flavors resemble dark cherries, tobacco, tea leaves, lavender, mineral elements, white pepper and mild black licorice. Hand-crafted with 100% CCOF organic Syrah grapes. Aged in 50% American and 50% French oak barrels for 22 months. For good measure, a dollop of Mourvedre is added. 179 cases produced
Soleil Blanc Lot No. 33 Central Coast
Reg $11.99 Special $9.99
This exotic blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio was fermented and aged in stainless steel to retain its bright acidity. Passion fruit, guava, zesty lemon, kiwi and green apple aromas are decorated by light honeycomb and floral bouquet. A gorgeous mouthful of tropical and citrus fruits flavors such papaya, tangerine, Asian pear abound with a hint of green apple. 71% bio-sustainably grown Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Barbara County. 29% CCOF organically grown Pinot Grigio, Paso Robles County. Only 610 cases produced.
Chardonnay Lot No. 11 Santa Barbara County
Reg $11.99 Special $9.99
Santa Barbara County is recognized for its tropical and exotic Chardonnays. Grown in the cooler climate of Los Alamos in Santa Barbara County, our Lot 11 Chardonnay was stainless steel fermented to retain its acidity. Displays vibrant aromas of mango, fresh green apple and guava. A crisp palate with a long finish, this Chardonnay has unique flavors of ripe pear, juicy green apple and subtle hints of mandarin orange. Pair with Pacific Rim cuisine, shellfish, white cream sauces. 100% Los Alamos Vineyard Chardonnay. 800 cases produced.