Germany meets its Match in California

 

The Story by Graham Tatomer: “In 2003, I packed my bags and moved to Austria to try to get a better grip on the growing and making of Riesling. I was able to find work with Weingut Knoll who, more importantly, have become a second family to me. They also turned me on to the Grüner Veltliner grape. What initially was planned to be a ten-week trip; turned into a year and two additional harvests. I am appreciative of them, and the other winemakers in the Wachau, who offered good advice and answered my endless questions. From hand sorting Trockenbeerenauslese at midnight; to building stone terraces in the snow using the methods of ancient Rome, I left with much more knowledge and experience than I came with and am eternally grateful. “
 
Kick-On Ranch: This is a small vineyard located in western Los Alamos, close to the Vandenberg Air Force Base. The town of Los Alamos is wedged between the Santa Maria Valley and the Santa Ynez Valleys in Santa Barbara County. Frigid winds coming off of the cold Pacific Ocean waters flow though this vineyard daily; helping to keep it cool and dry. The owners allow me to do as much as the farming as I see fit, but I am lucky enough to have Jeff Frey doing most of the work. The soil is a very sandy loam. This is a younger site with a huge future due to its climate. The wine I designate “Kick-on Ranch” gets the full “Austrian treatment”, meaning some skin contact and aged in neutral wood. The outcome is a wine with floral, and mineral aromas. On the palette it exhibits citrus fruits, a wonderful salinity, and great length. This is the most age worthy of all of my wines and I highly recommend decanting it.

Tatomer 2019 Riesling “Kick-on Ranch” Santa Barbara
GGWC 39.99
FREE SHIPPING on 12
Use code TATOMER during checkout

Vinous 94 Points: “The 2019 Riesling Kick-on Ranch is a wonderfully complete, transparent wine. Orchard fruit, white flowers and lime all grace a Riesling endowed with dazzling finesse, purity and dimension. Clean, saline notes lend energy and focus..”

Winemaker Notes: “Floral and herbal nose, hint of melon and pear. Intense, saline palate. Very much German GG Style. High aging potential. Please decant. This is a good wine to make a great impression.“