Doug’s Picks: Six Local Wines for Springtime Sipping
Photos by Rosminah Brown
Springtime sheds the mild winter coat, awakens us and tentatively encourages us to explore new things. Likewise, my picks for this time of year are a combination of local dependables and a few from the new cadre of winemakers that I am particularly excited about. Let’s dig in!
Riverbench 2018 Sparkling Brut Rosé ($39)
A Pinot Noir–based sparkling wine from Santa Maria Valley known for its pale color, fine bubbles and flavors of strawberry, raspberry and citrus, with a subtle brioche finish. This makes a wonderful aperitif or it can be paired with a host of lighter dishes like a fresh spring salad or a steamed artichoke. Enchanté!
Story of Soil 2024 Riesling from Donnachadh Vineyard ($39)
A phenomenal dry Riesling from the Sta. Rita Hills, tart lime and green apple, flavors of white peach with electric acidity and a kiss of the ocean breeze. Winemaker Jessica Gasca does it again. She will be pouring at the Women Winemakers & Culinarians Grand Tasting event on March 7, so go see her and learn more about her wines.
Greg Brewer’s 2024 Diatom Chardonnay ($27)
Named for the diatomaceous earth the vines are grown in, Diatom is known for its distinct minerality and pure fruit expressiveness. Crisp with notes of citrus, white peach, ending with a touch of salinity. It is a perfect wine that helps you look forward to springtime.
Doctor’s Orders 2022 Nebbiolo ($33)
Founded by winemaker Dom O’Reilly, Doctor’s Orders Natural Wine Co. makes artisanal, sustainably farmed wines. Almost a chillable red, this organically farmed Nebbiolo bursts with red cherry and cranberry with a nose of freshly tilled earth and violets. This wine can be paired with a host of midweek pasta dishes or even a zesty bruschetta. Doctor’s Orders Nebbiolo offers to cure what ails you.
LaBarge 2019 CinQuin Pinot Noir ($37)
The CinQuin Pinot Noir 2019 is a Sta. Rita Hills wine, known for its complex profile of muddled plum, strawberry, hibiscus and white pepper, with fresh red fruit and firm tannins. This Pinot Noir, with its silky texture and bright acidity, showcases the quality of this special appellation, providing an approachable yet sophisticated experience. This versatile wine can be served solo or with food, whether cold and rainy or warm and sunny.
Paul Lato’s 2022 Space Cadet ($93)
Space Cadet is the outlier—a limited-edition release that rocks my galaxy. The label reads “Follow your Bliss” and if this is what bliss is, I want it all the time. It is 85% Syrah, 15% Grenache from the Bien Nacido and Larner Vineyards. Sporting an opaque ruby hue with classic Syrah notes of blackberry fruit mixed with a touch of smoked meat, pepper, mint and leather. Paul crafts this wine with a lightsaber. It hits your palate with a silky richness, and kisses your tongue with a finish of caramelized sugar. If you’re feeling musically inclined, pair this with Queen’s “Killer Queen.”
