A couple of weeks ago, I found some videos about the Sanford's new venture, Alma Rosa wines on youtube and I was very struck by Richard Sanford's zen-master approach to life, growing grapes, and wine making. It was clear to me that the Sanfords embodied the essence of sustainable viticulture, and were the first to do so in Santa Barbara County 22 years ago on their 110 acres of organic estate vineyards. I really wanted to get to know their first wines in the post-Sanford Winery period. So I arranged to taste the entire current release line-up, thanks to Richard and Thekla Sanford.
The name Alma Rosa comes from the fact that their vineyards are on the original Santa Rosa land grant and they are trying to capture the Alma (soul) of the land. They are green-aware right down to the packaging, the wines arriving in a new type of eco-pack of recycled cardboard from a company called Vintegrated Solutions, the Sanfords get in nearby Santa Ynez. Every piece of paper in their press kit is from recycled paper and their closure of choice: all screwcaps since their first bottling in 2004. Their focus is on Burgundian grapes, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, and of course, Pinot Noir and each has a regular bottling as well as a vineyard designated special bottling.
My overall impression was that all the wines are a good reflection of Santa Barbara's wine charm but the two vineyard designate wines I got were the clear stand-outs. I sat down and tasted these with my designated Francophile friend, O, and these are a combination of both our notes. While these are all Burgundian grapes, the style is very much what comes from Santa Barbara fruit, more body and naturally, more alcohol. The higher alcohol isn't O's favorite style, but the balance of ripeness and alcohol goes hand-in-hand, so these lush wines with big body and viscocity are a natural expression of Santa Barbara County and especially Santa Rita Hills.
Alma Rosa Pinot Gris, Santa Barbara County, 2007: Nice minerality on the nose, big golden delicious apple aromas, pretty acids and good balance. Round and earthy finish.
Alma Rosa Pinot Blanc, Sta. Rita Hills, 2007: More austere than the Gris, very nice pear aromas and flavors, very clean French-style Pinot Blanc. Delicious.
Alma Rosa Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County, 2007: This reminds me a lot of my other favorite everyday SB Chards from Au Bon Climate and Qupe. 17% went through malolactic fermentation, so it's got some good body to it. Big and viscous.
Alma Rosa Chardonnay, El Jabalí Vineyard,Sta. Rita Hills, 2006: Very big aromas of apple, melon, honey, and vanilla. If I closed my eyes, I would say it was a young Meursault. The oak is not overdone here, but is more present in the finish. A special occasion Chardonnay.
Alma Rosa Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills, 2007: This is a blend of El Jabalí Vineyard and La Encantada and is a dark-centered, dusty cherry flavored Pinot. Big aromas of licorice, cassis, and pie spices.
Alma Rosa Pinot Noir, La Encantada Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills, 2006: My favorite of the flight. This was kept on the lees for 8 months before 10 months of barrel aging. It has a forward beefy aroma that the French call "animale". Big and round with a ripe blackberry finish. Highly recommended.
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