Stainless steel lots bring vivid aromas of wild thyme, gooseberries, guava and nectarine, while the wood lots contribute the rich lemon curd and lemon drop that have been the hallmark of Star Lane Sauvignon Blanc. On the palate, the lots fermented in tank and stainless barrels bring poise and vibrancy to the blend and the barrel fermented lots offer a mouthfeel marked by bottomless concentration. A theoretical combination of traditionally-styled white Bordeaux and modern Sancerre, our 2008 of Star Lane Sauvignon Blanc is delicious now with richly flavored shellfish preparations but will evolve in bottle for as many as 10 years to come.

In addition to the power and complexity of our previous vintage, we have found a new sense of grace and sophistication in the wine that had been lacking in ’05. Licorice accented black cherry and cassis fruit gives way to sweet herb and mocha shadings. On the palate the wine is full yet fresh, and there is a vibrancy to the fruit character that is unique to the ’06 vintage.

In the winery, an effort to identify the true character of the variety at Star Lane is yielding wines of stunning balance, marked by subtle olive and tobacco notes in addition to plumy and black cherry fruit of our previous effort. Refined tannins and vibrant acidity suggest both near term consumption and ageing.

The 2005 Star Lane Astral Cabernet Sauvignon shows immense concentration, with huge, lush tannins that frame tightly layered cassis, blackberry, plum, coffee, chocolate, spice, vanilla and smoke flavors. Sporting a suppleness that belies its youth, the wine is drinking beautifully now. But we suspect it will offer collectors many years of pleasure to come.

Immediate impressions of lemon curd and orange blossom are followed by aromas of hazelnut, allspice and Mdddeyer lemon. On the palate, the wine is sleek and refined, with a lithe texture and mouthwatering acidity. Flavors of citrus—lemon rind, tangelo and lemongrass—echo the aromatic impressions of this Chardonnay, creating seamless wine, at once powerful and impeccably balanced.

The wine exhibits the “sauvage” sage-like note that has come to define the wines from our vineyard, but envelops it in a more elegant frame. It is a sublime and classy wine, with delicate aromas of tea leaf, raspberry and forest floor and a sneaky structural component that keeps it firm and age worthy.

What could have been a very difficult vintage for Bordeaux varietals in Santa Ynez Valley, one plagued by cool weather and severe shatter, turned out to produce a surprisingly subtle and nuanced Three Saints Cabernet. The unbridled power of 2005 is subdued; in its place, the 2006 trades in elegance, class and sophistication. Extraordinarily complex aromas of pipe tobacco, sandalwood and wild briar brush are freshened by Santa Cruz blackberry and violet notes. On the palate, the wine is firm, fresh and striking. Blackberry fruit is framed by fine-grained tannins and a cleansing finish.

Our most overtly fruity and exuberant Three Saints Pinot to date, the 2008 shows bright blackberry, crushed raspberry and subtle black tea notes. On the palate the wine is both vibrant and luxuriously rich, with decadent creamy blackberry flavors underpinned by satiny tannins and a blast of fresh acidity. Although our 2008 Three Saints Pinot will age well for up to three years, it would be a shame not to drink it now for its almost primal sense of gratification.

Chocolate, smoked game, gunpowder and coffee bean tones leap from the glass. On the palate, the chocolate note persists with huge blackberry fruit and an exciting blueberry nuance. Texturally, the wine is as soft and enveloping with supple tannins that caress the palate and fresh acid lending to the vibrancy of the wine.

Our Three Saints Chardonnay is characterized by its strong impression of acidity and by a finish that lingers on the palate. Striking papaya, grapefruit, lemon oil and tropical flower aromas are balanced with a creamy hazelnut impression. On the palate the wine is all citrus: lemon rind, lemon curd and lemon blossoms.With its bright but lushly textured mouthfeel.