Winemaker Notes
The 2022 vintage Kick On Ranch gave us the materials for dry Riesling with wildly original character. This wine tends to be flashy and loud when it’s young. This bottling is even more so, thanks to some botrytis influence. Kick On’s consistent zesty citrus and minerality is there, so are the effusive floral scents of ginger blossoms and plumeria. The botrytis lent a warmer hued essence than usual, though. More apricot than green plum, more grapefruit than lime. Honey is there in a delicate way, too. The wine hits the palate with a nectarous blast chased by racy acidity, then hints of ginger along with fine mineral grit.
Blend: 100% Riesling
Riesling possesses a remarkable ability to reflect the character of wherever it is grown while still maintaining its identity. A regal variety of incredible purity and precision, this versatile grape can be just as enjoyable dry or sweet, young or old, still or sparkling and can age longer than nearly any other white variety. Somm Secret—Given how difficult it is to discern the level of sweetness in a Riesling from the label, here are some clues to find the dry ones. First, look for the world “trocken.” (“Halbtrocken” or “feinherb” mean off-dry.) Also a higher abv usually indicates a drier Riesling.
With a dry and mild climate cooled significantly by moist ocean fog and breezes, Santa Barbara County is a grape-grower’s dream. Part of the larger Central Coast appellation, Santa Barbara is home to Santa Maria Valley and Santa Ynez Valley. The conditions here provide an opportunity for nearly effortless production of high-quality cool-climate Central Coast wines. This is also the site of the 2004 film Sideways, which caused Pinot Noir’s popularity to skyrocket and brought new acclaim to the region.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the stars of Santa Barbara, producing wines marked by racy acidity. Crisp Sauvignon Blanc and savory Syrah are also important. The region is home to many young and enthusiastic winemakers eager to experiment with less common varieties including Chenin Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Trousseau Gris, Gamay and Cabernet Franc, making it an exciting area to watch.