REGION: California
Michael Cruse takes pride in making uniquely Californian wines. Cruse showcases fruit driven and satisfying wines that are pleasurable, but seriously balanced. He found inspiration in varieties such as Valdiguie, Tannat, Carignan and St Laurent.
Jody and Gingy Harris founded Cultivar to highlight top "cultivars" from Napa Valley's sub-appellations. Inspired by childhood experiences on their grandparents' farm, they prioritize land stewardship. Wines are crafted by Julien Fayard, aiming for excellence and sustainability at affordable prices.
In 1996, Michael and Anne Dashe founded Dashe Cellars to craft exceptional single-vineyard wines. Drawing on over 40 years of combined experience from noted wineries like Château Lafite-Rothschild and Ridge Vineyards, they create wines that reflect the unique characteristics of top vineyards.
Started in 2011, DAY is a project dedicated exclusively to Zinfandel from Ehren Jordan, a name sharing ties to the iconic Turley, which likely served as his inspiration. The DAY wines are known for being sourced from great old vine sites throughout Sonoma County and gentle winemaking philosophies.
Located along the western foothills of Napa Valley’s celebrated Oakville district, in the heart of To Kalon Vineyard, the Detert family’s small estate block has grown outstanding Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon since 1953.
After long stints of consulting and collaborating on other Santa Barbara (and beyond) projects, esteemed sommelier and author Rajat Parr and winemaker Sashi Moorman have finally realized their dream of an estate vineyard on the absolute extreme edge of the Sta. Rita Hills. The first site under vine when driving East from Lompoc, Domaine de la Co?te is a collection of vineyards planted to Pinot Noir along the diatomaceous hillsides, each of which is vinified with various levels of whole cluster and bottled individually. Inspired by Burgundian viticultural technique, the DDLC wines are compellingly individualistic and, after only a handful of vintages, have proven to be some of the most sought-after wines in California.
Inspired by the wines of Burgundy and the Northern Rhone, Donnachadh strives to make wines that recognize the uniqueness of their vineyard site. The cool climate and ocean breeze allow the grapes to ripen more slowly, developing rich, complex flavors while still retaining a bright natural acidity.
The Araujos began farming the Eisele Vineyard organically in 1998 & in 2002 the vineyard was certified Biodynamic by Demeter. Named for Milt & Barbara Eisele, who owned the vineyard prior to Bart and Daphne Araujo, the Eisele Vineyard has long been known for the quality of its Cabernet Sauvignon.
Ehren Jordan, a veteran winemaker, honed his skills in France's Rhône Valley. With an 18-year tenure at Turley Wine Cellars, he became renowned for Petite Sirahs and Zinfandels. Today, on his 11-acre Sonoma Coast estate, he crafts captivating Syrah, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir under the Failla label.
Evan Frazier of Ferdinand Wines is a true up-and-comer in the California winemaking community. He makes his wines in the cellar at Kongsgaard, where he is the General Manager and Assistant Winemaker for Kongsgaard Wines, where he has worked since 2008.