August 2024 Central Coast, California

The Central Coast AVA in California covers the long stretch of coastline from San Francisco Bay south to Santa Barbara, and reaches inland from the Pacific Ocean to the borders of the Central Valley.

The eastern boundary of the Central Coast AVA is around 60 miles inland, and much of the region is influenced by winds from the Pacific Ocean, funneled into the vineyard areas by a series of important valleys and mountain gaps throughout the region.

The cool climate in much of the Central Coast AVA is excellently suited to the Burgundy varieties of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, despite the fact that the northernmost part of the region is a full 10 degrees closer to the equator than Burgundy (at latitude 47°N).

The hotter, more inland areas of the Central Coast are also good for Zinfandel, which is planted in San Benito County and Paso Robles. Cabernet Sauvignon does well in the higher-altitude parts of the AVA, particularly in the Santa Cruz Mountains north of Monterey Bay. More than 100 grape varieties flourish throughout the Central Coast, a reflection of the diverse topography and mesoclimates of the appellation.

Learn more at our deep dive discussion and tasting with Nick DeBias of Burke Beverage on Wednesday August 21st at 6:30 pm. Tickets online or available in the lounge.

Whites

Wrath Ex Sauvignon Blanc, 2022 Monterey Co, CA

Certified sustainable estate vineyard. We harvest grapes at two different ripeness levels and then blend a portion of each lot together to create a wine that encapsulates the best qualities of each lot. The 2022EX Sauvignon Blanc is bright and refreshing with lemon, tropical fruit and crisp acidity.

Lucas & Lewellen Rose, 2023 Santa Barbara Co, CA

100% Pinot Noir. The aromas are complex with layers of fruity, flinty, and perfume-like qualities: strawberry, raspberry, and peach coupled with blossoms. The wine is extremely dry with crisp acidity and a luscious finish.

Union Sacre Pinot Blanc Dry, 2022 Monterey Co, CA

100% Pinot Blanc. Production: Skin contact over night and pressed the next day. Unfiltered, unfined. Fermented on thin lees for 2 weeks at 55 degrees F. Tasting notes: Clean and easy-going aromas of apple flesh, honeydew and a hint of peppery spice show on the nose of this bottling. The palate is rounded and nearly sweet, with apple, pear, kiwi and lemon.

Wrath Ex Unoaked Chardonnay, 2021 Monterey Co, CA

Certified sustainable estate vineyard. It is fermented (primary only) and aged for 3 months in stainless steel before being bottled on-site. The resulting unoaked wine is bright and direct, yet deceptively rich. The nose has a subtle fruit notes and flavors offer guava, lemon and peach. There is a noticeable but balanced acidity with a full mouthfeel.

Reds

Lucas & Lewellen Pinot Noir, 2020 Santa Barbara Co, CA

Aromas include dried cherries, rose petals, and a hint of dark chocolate. Sultry tannins and balanced acidity support flavors of cola, lavender, exotic spice, and just a trace of vineyard terroir in a lasting finish. The hand-harvested grapes for this Pinot Noir were carefully selected for complexity and elegance.

Opolo Summit Creek Zinfandel. 2021 Paso Robles, CA

This Zinfandel is concentrated with dark fruit yet retains a sense of balance, offering blackberry, mocha and smoky pepper flavors that end with medium-grained tannins and velvety finish.

Sadler's Well Cabernet Sauvignon, 2020 Paso Robles, CA

100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Certified sustainable estate vineyard. Dry, full-bodied with ripe black cherry leading black currant and red berry fruit, with vanilla and cinnamon spice and oak accents.

Opolo Petite Sirah, 2019 Paso Robles, CA

Blueberry, baked cherries explode out of the glass and are complemented subtle aromas of chocolate, mint, fennel and cardamom. Full bodied, this well balanced Petite Sirah hits the palate with flavors of jammy red currant, mulberry, and spice surrounded by velvety rich tannins that lead into a robust finish with good grip.