2008 represents the fourth harvest of this project, whose yields were dramatically curtailed by a frost which occurred during the early portion of the growing season. While challenging from both an emotional and financial perspective, as growers we are vulnerable to such vagaries of weather which have historically spared us due to the tempering nature of our ocean proximity. Our parcel at Babcock vineyard did not suffer due to its higher elevation on a mesa overlooking the valley, yet Clos Pepe and Huber, whose locations are lower and subsequently more vulnerable, were devastated from the cold air. Yields from these two vineyards were just shy of one half ton of fruit per acre which created incredibly intense wines at the expense of more typical quantity.

On a more positive note, this spring we are planting a 2 ½ acre section of chardonnay for future diatom production on a newly leased property immediately to the south-east of Huber. While several years away from bearing fruit, we are very grateful to have our first site planted expressly for this project under the expert guidance of our vineyard manager, Francisco Ramirez.

Thank you all for your continued interest and support of our work. As quantities are ridiculously small with this offering, we encourage you to respond swiftly to ensure that you receive your desired allocation.

Wines produced in this style often carry small amounts of dissolved CO2 gas in solution. This is a result of their very cold execution and careful processing in the cellar. The fine bubbles will dissipate within a few moments of pouring and are simply a sign of the wine’s minimal handling.

Diatom wines are finished with a wax seal. For opening instructions, click here.

Clos Pepe

The one acre parcel from which this wine is conceived is a steep, wind exposed north facing slope planted in a sandy loam soil by te Hagen and Pepe families. 288 bottles produced.

Pink grapefruit and sweet herb aromatics followed by lemon rind and fennel flavors in the mouth. Saline-like gripping texture.

Babcock

This parcel is located on their upper mesa marked by sandy clay loam soils above a hard pan of Monterey shale.
1,800 bottles produced

Aromas of earth and white truffle followed by flavors of wild flowers, lime skin and dried hazelnut. Broad structure juxtaposed with bright delineation.

Huber

Planted by Norm and Traudl Huber and farmed by Brewer - Clifton in 2008, the soil is virtually pure sand, with the twenty-three year old vines driving deep into the earth.
1,50 0 bottles produced.

Gardenia, honeysuckle and dried apricot aromatics followed by flavors reminiscent of agave and dried seaweed. Palate impression is very precise and focused.