Wine is a beautiful thing... Rusack

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Rusack

In 1994, Geoff Rusack, a Los Angeles aviation law attorney, and wife Alison Wrigley Rusack (Chicago native working for Disney's consumer products division) purchased the Ballard Canyon Winery in Ballard Canyon and established the Rusack label. The next year, the couple spent working the vineyards and winery and finally opened their tasting room in 1997. The Rusack's vision was to create a world-class winery and so they upgraded the winery facilities and in 2001, after harvest, they pulled many of the original vines and replanted with varieties and clones deemed by viticuluturist Hope Fidziura and winemaker John Falcone to be best suited for the area.

The 48-acre property has 17 acres under vine. Much of those wines were put in between 2001 and 2003. Small lots were planted in a north-south direction for even sun exposure to both sides of the canopy. The vineyard sits on 11-degree slope and is planted to Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese and Syrah.

In addition to estate-grown fruit, Rusack sources fruit from local growers. From the Ballard Canyon area, they purchase Stolpman, Tierra Alta and Windmill Ranch fruit. Their Burgundian wines are sourced from the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, in particular: the Fiddlestix, Huber and Foley's Rancho Santa Rosa properties as well as the Santa Maria Valley AVA: Bien Nacido, Goodchild and Solomon Hills vineyards.

Making wine at Rusack are husband and wife team: John and Helen Falcone. John began his career in The Monterey Vineyards - which was owned by his uncle. He went on to make wine for a number of Napa Valley labels, most notably as head winemaker for Atlas Peak Vineyards. Helen's roots are also in Napa: she worked as assistant winemaker at Chimney Rock Winery and Codorniu Napa wineries. In joining Rusack, John and Helen want to make hand crafted wines. In general, Rusack wines are complex, showing finesse but not over-extraction.

2005 Rusack Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County 89 Points

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	Home Wine U The Buzz Wine Reviews Review Archive Rating System Calendar Fun Stuff About Us Feedback Key Contacts FAQ	Wine Tasting Notes Rusack In 1994, Geoff Rusack, a Los Angeles aviation law attorney, and wife Alison Wrigley Rusack (Chicago native working for Disney's consumer products division) purchased the Ballard Canyon Winery in Ballard Canyon and established the Rusack label. The next year, the couple spent working the vineyards and winery and finally opened their tasting room in 1997. The Rusack's vision was to create a world-class winery and so they upgraded the winery facilities and in 2001, after harvest, they pulled many of the original vines and replanted with varieties and clones deemed by viticuluturist Hope Fidziura and winemaker John Falcone to be best suited for the area. The 48-acre property has 17 acres under vine. Much of those wines were put in between 2001 and 2003. Small lots were planted in a north-south direction for even sun exposure to both sides of the canopy. The vineyard sits on 11-degree slope and is planted to Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese and Syrah. In addition to estate-grown fruit, Rusack sources fruit from local growers. From the Ballard Canyon area, they purchase Stolpman, Tierra Alta and Windmill Ranch fruit. Their Burgundian wines are sourced from the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, in particular: the Fiddlestix, Huber and Foley's Rancho Santa Rosa properties as well as the Santa Maria Valley AVA: Bien Nacido, Goodchild and Solomon Hills vineyards. Making wine at Rusack are husband and wife team: John and Helen Falcone. John began his career in The Monterey Vineyards - which was owned by his uncle. He went on to make wine for a number of Napa Valley labels, most notably as head winemaker for Atlas Peak Vineyards. Helen's roots are also in Napa: she worked as assistant winemaker at Chimney Rock Winery and Codorniu Napa wineries. In joining Rusack, John and Helen want to make hand crafted wines. In general, Rusack wines are complex, showing finesse but not over-extraction. 2005 Rusack Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County 89 Points Back to top. Search our wine reviews archive by: review date, vintage and winery.	Get the buzz: Wine reviews Great stories Interviews Wine education tools New content every month It's FREE! Click here


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