Wine Unfiltered

Demetria Estate

Santa Ynez Valley

6701 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos, CA 93441

http://www.demetriaestate.com

I am finally starting to talk about my April trip to Santa Barbara and Vintners Visa weekend. Anyone interested in finding out what that is about, take a look here. $35+12 wineries = good deal. I am still getting notes together and you may have already read about my final stop at Saarloos. Well, here is one of my first stops. Demetria.

Simply: I found this location and it’s wines energizing and illuminating. A gem-like find…winding roads to the gorgeous hidden château-like farm. A barking dog greets you and the fountain echoes its rain. It makes you feel like it’s something you want to be a part of. Very individual, calming atmosphere. Lee was a wonderful host and has brilliant tasting notes. Spot on. Demetria delivers thoughtful winemaking, and it shows. Tasting is right there in their kitchen. Worth every second.

By appointment only, except this year on the Santa Barbara Vintners Visa Pass. Even if it’s not next year, go out of your way.

WHITES:

2006 Pinot Gris $25

Crisp light gold, tropical fruits, plenty of ginger and clean mineral notes.

2006 Pinot Blanc 30$

Ripe pear and vanilla with a lime and mineral finish. Not so much quaffable, but more a refreshing time companion. Relax.

2006 Chardonnay 27$

Bright gold, less oak and butter and more clean elements. Fruity aroma, teetering on rich, floral and creamy at the same time. It grows in the glass. Lovely.

2006 Viognier $25

Fragrant and beautiful, luxuriant and fresh. Ripe peach skin and the barest touch of citrus on the nose. Dried summer stone fruits, lingers on the palate with sweet acidity. Quite complex yet remains easy and versatile. A standout, and my favorite purchase.

REDS:

2006 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 40$

Very nice. Balanced and easy. Tons and ripe cherry and rich concentration, but never heavy. Cedar, vanilla and toned down spices with a pert yet restrained finish.

2006 Pinot Noir Cuvee Sandra 65$

Clear spice notes and light on the leather. Darker fruits and richer finish. Can hold up to the heavier end of a Pinot food pairing.

2006 Syrah 35$

Classic Syrah elements, heavy and attentively made. Black licorice and cracked pepper, black fruits and dried currants. Base notes of clean smoke and tobacco leaves. The slightest distant call of limestone on the nose reminds me of Southern Italian streets. Another standout.

2006 Constantine 40$

Aromatic and big. Clear kirsch on the nose, florals, lavender being the dominant driver. Definite chocolate and fruit leather. Lots of black fruit and splash of earth. Lovely, dusty and rich.

Don’t forget to peek around the corner and take a look at their limestone fermentation tanks. These lovely orbs of juice holding goodness definitely give some of the Demetria wines a little something extra.