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Item Number: 7020
UPC: None
Country: USA
Region: California
Sub Region: Santa Barbara
Appellation/AVA: Santa Barbara County
Vintage: 2008
Grape(s): Nebbiolo
Type: Wine - Red
Bottle Size: 750ml Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 14.5
Location: Fussy in the vineyard, finicky in the cellar, requiring time and patience on the part of grower and winemaker — there is one thing that is certain. Nebbiolo is all about where it is grown. Originating in northern Italy, wines crafted from the Nebbiolo grape are named after this sense of place — Barolo, Barbaresco. And now, Santa Barbara County. With a topography and climate mimicking those of Nebbiolo’s native Piedmont, Santa Barbara County’s transverse valleys, proximity to the sea and mountains ringing the area combine with Nebbiolo-loving soils, warm sunshine filled days and cold, brisk nights to provide a textbook perfect location to grow this intriguing grape. Then, years of experience working with Nebbiolo in the cellar, dialogue and debate with colleagues in Italy, a quest for continual improvement and patience, patience, patience adds the complexity and elegance that is the hallmark of Palmina’s Nebbiolos. The Santa Barbara County blend is specifically designed to be a wine that is approachable and immediately enjoyable at the table.
This Santa Barbara County blend is designed to showcase the region as a whole, layering in various components of clones, soils and characteristics from the four vineyards. Anchored by the Sisquoc Vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley, the 2008 Nebbiolo shines with character and highlights from the Alisos Vineyard in Los Alamos and the Honea and Stolpman vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley. These layers and nuances from the various sites are designed to work together to make a wine that is immediately enjoyable, clearly demonstrates the promise of Nebbiolo from Santa Barbara County and expresses winemaker/owner Steve Clifton’s dedication to and passion for this grape.
Winemaking Notes: Wines from each vineyard were vinified separately and then aged for one year in french and slovenian oak barrels. In early 2010, the Santa Barbara County blend was determined, and then moved to age in oak uprights for an additional 30 months, before being bottled in March of 2012. It is Clifton’s assertion that Nebbiolo requires some time in bottle to allow textures, flavors and tannins to integrate, and therefore the 2008 Santa Barbara County Nebbiolo was then carefully aged in Palmina’s cellar until release in 2013.
Tasting Notes: Light brick and brilliant ruby in color with gorgeously transparent edges, a swirl produces a veritable bouquet of
floral and fruit notes; rose petals, violets, soy and savory garden thyme. This wine is smooth and almost creamy on
the palate, with a seamless mixture of acidity, tannin and structure that brings fresh fruit notes of raspberry and
sour cherry. Reminders of cranberry sauce and a well-aged balsamic then mingle with cinnamon stick spice. The
mid-palate is firm and the finish elegant. And the best news is that this wine is ready to drink now!
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