In the wine industry, the notion of sustainability, or striving to produce every vintage in a way which benefits the land, the air, and the workers over the long term, has seen dramatic growth in popularity over the past ten years. And, out in California, the Central Coast Vineyard Team is dedicated to supporting wineries making those efforts. They have even developed a set of standards to help define what steps producers must take to achieve sustainability, and they have organized a third-party verified to be certified as meeting those standards. Wines that are certified can proudly display the Sustainability-in-Practice or SIP Seal on their labels. So help save our planet by drinking these S.I.P Certified wines this summer!
Tangent 2013 Paragon Vineyard Albarino
Grape(s): 100% Albarino
Region: Edna Valley, Ca
Price: 15-20
Tasting Notes:
A bouquet of grapefruit, lime, tangerine, and wet stone rises up from a glass. The palate delivers flavors of grapefruit and tangerine that are framed by mineral notes. It has a vibrant acidity but is still fairly round, making it an fine match for a fresh shrimp pasta in a white wine sauce. 5,400 cases produced.
Rating: 90
Tangent 2013 Paragon Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc
Grape(s): 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Edna Valley, Ca
Price: 10-15
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of grapefruit, green apple, and gooseberry mingle with suggestions of grass and minerals on the nose. A sip reveals flavors of citrus fruits and tart apples accented by mineral and herbaceous traces. Crisp, bright, and refreshing, enjoy a bottle with grilled herb chicken. 22,500 cases were made.
Rating: 88
Castoro Cellars 2013 Sauvignon Blanc
Grape(s): 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Price: 10-15
Tasting Notes:
Fragrances of apples, pears, and pineapple greet the senses. Flavors of lime, pineapple, and green apple emerge on the palate, along with hints of minerals. Peppy, with vivid flavors and a nice zesty acidity, it’s a fine Sauvignon Blanc, especially for $15 a bottle. 5,800 cases produced.
Rating: 89
Claiborne & Churchill 2013 Dry Riesling
Grape(s): 100% Riesling
Region: Edna Valley, Ca
Price: 25-30
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of pear, peach, and apricot interweave with a notes of sweet spice and minerals on the nose. With a sip, flavors of Asian pear, peach, and Meyer lemon unfold into nuances of minerals and white pepper. A balanced acidity and bright flavors make this wine perfect to sip on a warm spring day. 210 cases produced.
Rating: 89
Claiborne & Churchill 2014 Pinot Gris
Grape(s): 100% Pinot Gris
Region: Arroyo Grande Valley, Ca
Price: 15-20
Tasting Notes:
Notes of white peach, melon, and ripe pear rise up from a glass. The palate unfurls flavors of peach, pear, and honeydew, along with traces of white spice and minerals. Refreshing and fairly brisk, it’s a choice for an aperitif. 458 cases were made.
Rating: 88
Pomar Junction 2014 Syrah Rosé
Grape(s): 100% Syrah
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Price: 10-15
Tasting Notes:
Bright cherries, ripe raspberries, and fresh watermelon aromas greet the senses. Raspberry, strawberry, watermelon flavors emerge on the palate along with hints of minerals. A fairly light Rosé, enjoy a bottle on a warm day at the beach. 309 cases were made.
Rating: 86
Pomar Junction 2014 Viognier
Grape(s): 100% Viognier
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Price: 20-25
Tasting Notes:
A bouquet of white peach and mango is accented by highlights of honey and white blossoms on the nose. The palate offers flavors of mango, peach, and citrusy notes that flow into overtones of springtime flowers. Fans of crisp, floral whites ought to try this bottle. 419 cases produced.
Rating: 88