Wine Tasting Notes
Cottonwood Canyon
Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard & Winery was founded in 1988 by Norman and Sharon Beko as a small, ultra-premium winery specializing in Estate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. At the time of its founding, there were 46 acres of 15 year-old Chardonnay. The current estate of 78 acres is planted to 18 acres of Pinot Noir, less than 18 acres of Chardonnay and 5 acres of Syrah.
The 6 acre Elizabeth's Vista Vineyard is on of 3 named vineyards on the Cottonwood Canyon estate. Planted around 1999 with 6 x 5 spacing of Pinot Noir. Additionally, 6 of those rows were grafted to Chardonnay. The vines are 2A clones on own rootstock as well as a small portion being 5bb and Freedom clones. This vineyard's soils are hard-packed sandy loam similar to the rest of the estate which fall in the Garey soil series. These are characterized by medium and strongly acid content sandy loam.
The 6-acre Sharon's Vineyard was planted in 1991 at a 10'x 4' spacing. This was the first of 3 named vineyards on the property. Clones planted are 2A, Pommard and Martini 13 on own rootstock. The vineyard sits on marina sand in a basin seen form the patio of the tasting room. With a water table at about at 8' deep, the vines stay physiologically active into November and the fruit requires attention and careful netting.
Located 19 miles from the ocean, the estate benefits from a strong marine influence. Norman Beko strives to achieve Old World styled wines and releases his offerings after longer bottle aging than most other wineries. With several blocks of Syrah coming on line, this winery continues to be the most misunderstood and most underrated label in the Santa Maria Valley. The last few years have seen ventures into several varieties and styles. Despite success with Paso Robles-sourced Bordeaux blends, the Synthesis and Synergy lines will be phased out. The staple of label's production is going to remain focused on estate Chardonnay, Pinot noir and Syrah. Not to be missed, is the Pinot noir and Syrah blend under the proprietary name of "Syroir".
2005 Cottonwood Canyon Syrah, Bistro Classic, Santa Maria Valley
2005 Cottonwood Canyon Estate Syrah, Santa Maria Valley
2001 Cottonwood Canyon Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley
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