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Wines &
Style
La Vie Vineyards 2000-Present
In 2000 we produced only 30 cases of Chardonnay and 50 cases of Pinot Noir, extremely limited production releases that have aged into remarkably complex & mature wines. We continue to vinify small lots of grapes chosen from ideal sites throughout the Central Coast with great success. Our micro-production gives us a high level of quality control, resulting in wines to withstand the test of time. Techniques such as sur lees aging, whole cluster fermentation, various yeast blends, extended fermentations, & long aging in French Oak create truly unique wines for the connoisseur. We typically store our wine in oak longer than other producers, and release the vintages about 1 year later than other Pinot producers. Though our emphasis is on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, we have released limited production of other varietals that have captured our interest.
We are also the 1st California producer to bottle our Pinot Noir in Stelvin Screwcap enclosure, beginning with our 2002 vintage, and are continuing the course with all of our wines. Though this was controversial at the time, we have been pleased with the results, and have received tremendous positive feedback from our tasters and serious wine collectors. The wines have proven age-worthy with the screwcaps, possibly even extending the life of the wine. Since we are (still) some of the youngest proprietors in the state, we are truly the wave of the future, and are open minded about technological revolutions.
See below for information on the latest La Vie Vineyards wines & a list of all our past bottlings!
To purchase wine online visit our store
Current Releases
Red Wine
2006 'Black Mountain' Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands
Bottled on 09/22/08. Tasting Notes Coming Soon.
100 cases produced
2005 'Rasta Rita' Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills
The ’05 Rasta Rita is drinkable now but will improve with aging or decanting. Rich aromas of cedar and black cherry melt into dense layers of oak and grape tannins with hints of molasses and tobacco on the finish. Suggested Pairing: Bob Marley’s Album ‘Survival’
175 cases produced
2005 'Black Mountain' Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands
Another stellar vintage from the Santa Lucia Highlands, possibly the best yet. Dense fruit flavors and aromas, deep ruby color, an all– around standout wine. This wine has been tasting delicious since it squeezed off the press. Drink now or hold for 6—8 years, if you can resist.
125 cases produced
2005 'Paradise Reserve' Syrah, Santa Barbara County
Our 1st La Vie Vineyards brand Syrah! Also from the Paradise Vineyard where we source our Viognier, a concentrated and rich Syrah with excellent structure and balance. Nuances of white pepper, rose petals, and chocolate blend harmoniously with blueberry and pomegranate aromas.
100 cases produced
White Wine
2007 'Queen's Blend' Late Harvest Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands
375 mL
100 cases produced
2007 Riesling Monterey County
70 cases produced
Tasting notes coming soon.
Past Releases (sold out)
Red Wine
2004 Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County
An expression of the beauty of Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir. This is a vibrant Pinot Noir with classical cherry and cranberry aromas accented by spicy cedar nuances. Chalky textures on the mid-palate develop into a lengthy finish filled with cola, vanilla, and chocolate flavors. Minimal new oak was used to preserve the delicate quality of this wine. ‘Pretty in Pinot’ has been blended to be gorgeous whenever… drink now or savor for years to come.
200 cases produced
2004 Ray's Cuvee, Santa Lucia Highlands
A light and feminine fruit forward wine with intoxicating aromas of rose petals, and ripe strawberry twisted
together with candy caramel, Cherry Cola subtleties. A very supple soft Lingering finish with a touch of residual sugar. This wine is a blend of Santa Lucia (85%) and Santa Barbara County (15%) pinot grapes.
Clone: 667/777/ P / Pom 4
PH 3.70
15.5 % Alc.
175 cases produced
2004 'Rasta Rita' Pinot Noir Old Vines, Santa Rita Hills
Last vintage of certified organic fruit from Sanford & Benedict :-(
50 cases produced
2003 'Rasta Rita' Pinot Noir Old Vines, Santa Rita Hills
The 2003 Rasta Rita was vinified from grapes grown at the Old Sanford & Benedict Vineyard.
65 cases produced
2003 'Black Mountain Reserve' Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands
Dark berries, chocolate, and violets blend together to create a truly decadent wine. Lengthy and complex in texture yet maintains classical varietal expression.
Clones Pommard 4/667 pH 3.67
80 cases produced
2002 'Rasta Rita' Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills
The 1st Rasta Rita Pinot produced, and the 1st vintage we bottled in Stelvin screwcap enclosures.
150 cases produced
2002 'Vigna Monte Nero' Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands
This bottling is the first vintage from the Vigna Monte Nero Vineyard (Black Mountain) in Santa Lucia Highlands, also in Stelvin screwcap enclosures.
100 cases produced
2001 'Clos Pepe Reserve' Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County
Rated 90 by Wine Spectator.
55 cases produced
2001 'Fiddlestix Reserve' Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County
Produced from the Pommard 4 & 5 blocks of Fiddlestix Vineyard.
75 cases produced
2000 'Clos Pepe Reserve' Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County
Soft tannins, chalky flavors & a low pH, our first vintage Pinot will drink nicely for years.
50 cases produced
Past Releases (sold out)
White Wine
2005 'Paradise Reserve' Viognier, Santa Barbara County
Viognier is a white varietal grown in the Rhone region of France, where it is made in a dry or sweet style. Our bottling from Paradise Vineyard nestled behind Lake Cachuma in the Santa Barbara Mountains is made in a dry style, with hints of pineapple and citrus fruits and a strong minerality on the finish.
50 cases produced
2005 'Sanford & Benedict Vineyard' Riesling, Sta. Rita Hills
Off dry at 1.5% residual sugar, this is a full bodied Riesling that is made in a German Style. Diesel Aromas on the nose are complimented by classical Riesling flavors of apricot & citrus fruits.
40 cases produced
2004 'SBC Reserve' Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County, Late Harvest
This lovely and eccentric Chardonnay enters the mouth like honey, a massive texture that is slippery, thick, and succulent like ambrosia. At the first sip it masks itself as a sweet wine, the 2% residual sugar intoxicating as soon as it hits the lips. However, the sweetness dries out in the mouth, and the toasted oak and nut flavors emerge. On the finish, high alcohol and acidity cuts the wine and brings your senses back down to earth. This is like no Chardonnay you have tried before!!
Harvested at 27 Brix / 3.1 pH / 40% Botrytis (the noble rot)
100 cases produced
2001 'Clos Pepe Reserve' Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County
0.4% residual sugar ~ tastes like honey.
30 cases produced.
2000 Chardonnay, Santa Rita Reserve
This robust Chardonnay is a cuvee from Sweeney Canyon & Clos Pepe
Vineyards.
30 cases produced
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