"The Summerland Winery Boutique is a popular spot for tasting Central Coast vintages. 805.565.9463" - Katrin Wanberg, C Magazine
"With hints of raspberry and orange peel, the all-Grenache rosé ($17) by Summerland Winery, 2330 Lillie Ave., Summerland, 805-565-9463, is a dry, fruity wine that makes for one refreshing libation. Bon vivant owner Bilo Zarif will be happy to share a glass with you at his Provence-style tasting room." -Gina Tolleson, Santa Barbara Magazine
Published on Into Wine (http://www.intowine.com)
Blending Pinot Noir on the Central Coast: Scents and Sensibilities
By
Michael Cervin
As with most things in life, collaboration is the key to success. In the world of wine, collaboration is evident between winemakers and growers, winemakers and coopers and so forth. Yet when the critical stage of blending a wine happens, many winemakers go it alone. Blending various wines means that different clones, different toast levels of barrels, and grapes from different vineyards, must be taken into account in order to produce a stand-out wine. For Summerland Winery’s winemaker, Etienne Terlinden, this is part and parcel of the job. Along with his duties at Summerland Winery, based in Santa Barbara, Terlinden also has his own label, Cordon, and makes wine for other private labels. Recently, I was invited by Terlinden to join him for a blending session at his Central Coast facility.
Summerland has 450 barrels of wine, including Syrah and Pinot Noir, among others. For Terlinden, and Summerland’s owner Bilo Zarif who started the blending practice when he owned Barnwood and Letitia Wineries, it’s important to know each barrel intimately. To begin the blending process, samples are taken from each barrel and placed in small 10 ML bottles, all labeled and numbered. Everything is consistent.
One of the keys to blending wines is the consensus of palettes, including a female palette. Enter Michele Pignarre le Danios, a stocky French woman who, in addition to consulting for Summerland Winery in the U.S., has also worked for over 30 years consulting for many top Bordeaux Chateau and teaching oenology in her native France. Le Danois was also a student of the legendary French oenoligist, Emile Peynaud, so she knows a thing or two.In a vast warehouse setting, surrounded by barrels stacked ten high, Le Danois and Terlinden sit across from each other, making notes and moving sample bottles around the table like a game of chess. All samples are sorted by grape and clonal selection. In front of us are Pinot Noir samples, clone 115, from Solomon Hills in Santa Maria. “Every year it’s a different recipe,” Le Danois tells me, “you have to know the climate, the maturation of the grapes.” Each sample is swirled, smelled and tasted, then, depending on the reaction, Terlinden blends several samples into a master sample. “It’s like the artist’s palette,” he says. “Two barrels out of a hundred can ruin the lot. Tasting every barrel in a structured environment can get us from a good wine to a great wine.” Le Danois agrees, referring to creating blends as, “making a stew.” The Pinot from one barrel may have a light toast, whereas the Pinot from another may have a heavy toast.
The first master sample is complete. “Too acidic,” they agree. Another sample blend receives a favorable response. Terlinden opens a bottle of 2005 Summerland Pinot Noir to compare with the current blend, which will spend two more months in barrel. The blend is softer in the mouth with more pronounced red berry fruit, whereas the bottle of the 2005 is more masculine, less fruit but with more mineral qualities. “Sometimes blending is a nightmare,” Le Danois confides,” but occasionally you get it right the first time.” It’s a tedious, time consuming process. “Last year we spent five days blending, ten hours a day,” Terlinden confesses. He grabs other sample bottles, they taste and smell and make another master sample blend. Then they move to the next group of bottles. But it’s worth it. Summerland’s wines are receiving high praise, proving that a focused approach to blending can produce outstanding results.
Source URL:
http://www.intowine.com/blending-pinot-noir-central-coast-scents-and-sensibilities
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Word From the Winemaker
....about the 2005 Vintage and Winery Equipment
2005 Vintage had very mild weather patterns with little extreme fluctuations. Which allowed for even ripening and abundant crops. This year's Pinot Noir is complex, yet delicate and seamless. These wines are ready to drink now and will not benefit from long term aging.
The Varietals that will show extremely well are our Syrah's as well as all our White Wines.
The winery is now officially equipped to our exact specifications. We are fully able to scrutinize the fruit coming into the winery using our new hand sorting table. Our detstemer and temperature control tanks allow us to produce beautiful hand- crafted wines using state-of-the-art equipment.
- Etienne Terlinden
Summerland Winemaker
Harvest 2006 Photos
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Perfect Palate |
TYLER BLUE, NEWS-PRESS CORRESPONDENT
July 13, 2006 8:07 AM |
A week ago, while many of us were out in the sun celebrating the Fourth of July, Etienne Terlinden was holed up in his barrel-filled warehouse blending wine. Other than harvest, this is the busiest time of the year for the winemaker from Summerland Winery.
For some, growing good grapes and making enjoyable wine is enough.
Others, like Summerland Winery's owner Bilo Zarif, strive for the complexity only achieved through blending.
Over the past 14 years, Mr. Zarif has had a secret weapon in Michele Pignarre Le Danois, a world-class oenologist from Bordeaux.
First with Barnwood Winery and now with Summerland, Mr. Zarif flies in the wine-blending expert with the golden palate to help each vintage be the best it can be.
Over five days, Mr. Terlinden and Ms. Le Danois taste 400 different barrel samples, placing them together like pieces of a puzzle.
Oenology, a scientific approach to winemaking and tasting, requires up to five years of schooling to earn a master's degree in the 18th century specialty.
Ms. Le Danois has been at it for 35 years.
"I learn something new every day," she says.
The spry 60-year-old teaches oenology back in Bordeaux to groups of wine producers. She used to come to the U.S. several times a year while working with Mr. Zarif at Barnwood, but now everything is squeezed into one visit.
Her connection with Mr. Terlinden, 36, is the embodiment of a well-balanced collaboration.
"Etienne and I are the same creature," she says. "We're both European, and we're both here to make a good American wine for the American customer."
Adds Mr. Terlinden, "We have almost the same palate. Our goal is to make a very nice, round wine that's nonlinear -- not dominated by one aspect of tannin or fruit or acid."
The winemaking process at Summerland Winery is considered by others in the business to be quite progressive.
Mr. Terlinden collects fruit from a range of vineyards across the county in order to apply the nuances from the varying terroir to his wine.
While many wines are best left alone, the Belgian Mr. Terlinden comes from the school of thought committed to experimentation.
In just his second year working with Ms. Le Danois, the two have already achieved remarkable chemistry.
Using guidelines established by Mr. Zarif based on his aspirations for each vintage, they merge their knowledge into the crafting of superlative wines.
"These are like paints on an artist's palette," suggests Mr. Terlinden. "Most people don't do this. Rarely will winemakers taste every barrel."
Shortly after Ms. Le Danois arrives, she begins tasting the barrel samples that have been transferred to small, labeled bottles.
Once the wine hits her tongue, she says, it triggers a unique reaction combining intuition and intellect.
Every wine evokes the memory of something she's had before, she says, enabling a frame of reference to be constructed.
Taking meticulous notes, Ms. Le Danois isolates the wines with the best potential for cuvèes.
The 2005 season produced a heavy crop, especially with Summerland's primary varietal, pinot noir.
The sheer quantity has gifted this vintage with an elegance typical of traditional pinot.
Mr. Terlinden contends that blending is more important than ever this year to achieve the desired complexity of the wine.
As they work, Summerland's facility takes on the look of a laboratory.
Tables and floor are cluttered with tiny bottles representing completed concoctions.
The cross-generational wine experts sit facing each other at a table with big spit buckets at their sides.
"You should have seen my tongue before lunch," Ms. Le Danois says with a chuckle. "Black like a chow chow."
Their attention has turned to Rh0x99ne varietals with the future of two of Summerland's signature labels, Duet and Trio, hanging in the balance.
Seven bottles have made the elite cut from the highly regarded Bien Nacido Vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley.
Pouring precise amounts of grenache and mourvedre into a large test tube, Mr. Terlinden transfers the new blend to a beaker.
After tasting the wine, Mr. Terlinden and Ms. Le Danois stare at each other intently as if communicating through extrasensory perception.
The silence is broken with comments thrown back and forth in French.
It is soon apparent they've achieved a velvety masterpiece with the Duet.
The minutes are ticking by, getting closer to Ms. Le Danois' departure, and it seems the pressure is on to deliver a blockbuster blend for the Trio.
You wouldn't know it, though, by looking at the unfazed oenologist, who confidently smiles like a student who knows the answers to the test.
"I've been doing this for a long, long time," she reminds.
Complementing mourvedre and grenache with syrah, two separate blends are produced for comparison. They are both delicious, with one clearly heavier on the tannins.
In a moment like this, one realizes the weight of a judgment call that will affect Summerland's reputation for years to come.
Calculating a certain percentage of one barrel versus another can be the difference between a high score from Robert Parker or just another satisfactory vintage.
That's why it pays to bring in the best.
When asked whether she ever gets tired of wine, Ms. Le Danois exclaims, as if the question was a little crazy to even ask, "Noooo. I think I'd die without wine."
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Another Article from the Montecito Journal .........
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THE WINE ADVOCATE, September 2005 Issue
SUMMERLAND WINERY 2003 CHARDONNAY BIEN NACIDO VINEYARD, BLOCK U SANTA MARIA (25.00) WHITE 89
SUMMERLAND WINERY 2003 PINOT NOIR BIEN NACIDO VINEYARD, BLOCK T SANTA MARIA (38.00) RED 90
Two impressive offerings from the small boutique producer, Summerland's outstanding 2003 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido reveals a dark ruby/plum hue, and sweet, earth plum, black cherry and currant fruit with hints of underbrush and raspberries. Layered with decent acidity, ripe tannin and an expansive mouthfeel, the delicious Pinot can be drunk now or over the next 5-6 years.
The mineral dominated 2003 Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard Block U offers up notions of lemon zest and orange rinds. The crisp tart, citrusy, subtle but authoritative Chardonnay is Santa Barbara's version of French Chablis. Drink it over the next 1-3 years.
THE WINE ADVOCATE, June 2005 Issue
SUMMERLAND WINERY BIEN NACIDO VINEYARD, BLOCK X SANTA MARIA ($50.00) RED 91+
Sadly, there are only 125 cases of this impressive offering. Redolent with aromas of cream de cassis, acacia flowers, and notions of road tar, this full-bodied, intense, moderately tannic Syrah displays a black ruby/purple color as well as a deep mid-palate. It is a beautifully made, elegant yet authoritatively powerful 2003 that should be at its peak in 1-2 years, and last for a decade.
THE WINE ADVOCATE, September 2004 Issue
SUMMERLAND WINERY 2002 CHARDONNAY BIEN NACIDO VINEYARD, BLOCK U SANTA MARIA (22.00) WHITE 92
SUMMERLAND WINERY 2002 PINOT NOIR BIEN NACIDO VINEYARD, BLOCK T SANTA MARIA (30.00) RED 93
Who are these people? Each of these offerings are seriously endowed, well-balanced, impressively made wines that should age handsomely. The straw/green-colored 2002 Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard Block U exhibits good crisp underlying acidity buttressing abundant, concentrated pear, pineapple, honeysuckle, white peach and mineral notes. The explosive aromatics are followed by equally intense flavors. This full-bodied, powerful white is a brilliant example of Chardonnay from this well established vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley. It should drink well for 3-4 years. The sumptuous 2002 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard boasts a deep ruby color in addition to a big, complex perfume of cranberries, black cherries, flowers, and hints of oak as well as forest floor. Medium to full-bodied, rich, broad, pure, and beautifully textured, it is a serious Pinot Noir to drink now and over the next 5-7 years.
SUMMERLAND WINERY 2002 SYRAH HIGHLANDS VINEYARD SANTA BARBARA (22.00) RED 89
Pinot Noir-like aromas of plums, licorice, underbrush, currants, and cherries jump from the glass of Summerland's 2002 Syrah Highlands Vineyard. In the mouth, it is elegant, medium-bodied, well-balanced, and builds incrementally, offering the same range of characteristics with a touch of licorice added for additional complexity. This soft, mid-weight Syrah will provide pleasure over the next 5-6 years.
Click on Awards And Accolades for printable version
BEST OF CLASS |
Wine |
Competition |
Summerland 2003 Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir
Single Vineyard Collection |
Malibu Wine Classic
Special Jury Prize |
Summerland 2002 Odyssey-Thurlestone Vineyard Pinot Noir
Single Vineyard Collection
|
California State Fair Wine Competition |
Summerland 2003 Santa Barbara County Chardonnay
Central Coast Collection |
Santa Barbara County Fair Wine Competition
Best of Show White
|
Summerland 2002 Central Coast Pinot Noir
Central Coast Collection
|
Pacific Rim International Wine Competition |
GOLD MEDALS |
Wine |
Competition |
Summerland 2004 Pinot Noir
Central Coast Collection |
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition |
Summerland 2003 Bien Nacido Pinot Noir
Single Vineyard Collection |
San Francisco International Wine Competition
|
Summerland 2003 Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir
Single Vineyard Collection
|
Malibu Wine Classic |
Summerland 2003 Chamisal Vineyard Pinot Noir
Single Vineyard Collection
|
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition |
Summerland 2002 Odyssey-Thurlestone Vineyard Pinot Noir
Single Vineyard Collection
|
California State Fair Wine Competition |
Summerland 2002 Odyssey-Thurlestone Vineyard Pinot Noir
Single Vineyard Collection
|
San Francisco International Wine Competition |
Summerland 2003 Santa Barbara County Chardonnay
Central Coast Collection
|
Santa Barbara County Fair Wine Competition
|
Summerland 2002 Central Coast Pinot Noir
Central Coast Collection
|
Pacific Rim International Wine Competition |
Summerland 2002 Santa Barbara County Orange Muscat
Central Coast Collection
|
Malibu Wine Classic |
SILVER MEDALS |
Wine |
Competition |
Summerland 2003 Chamisal Vineyard Pinot Noir
Single Vineyard Collection
|
Los Angeles County Fair Wine Competition |
Summerland 2004 Paradise Road Viognier
Single Vineyard Collection
|
Santa Barbara County Fair Wine Competition |
Summerland 2004 Santa Barbara County Pinot Gris
Central Coast Collection
|
California State Fair Wine Competition |
Summerland 2004 Santa Barbara County Sauvignon Blanc
Central Coast Collection
|
San Diego National Wine Competition |
Summerland 2003 Santa Barbara County Chardonnay
Central Coast Collection
|
San Diego National Wine Competition |
Summerland 2003 Paso Robles Syrah
Central Coast Collection
|
San Diego National Wine Competition |
Summerland 2003 Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir
Single Vineyard Collection
|
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition |
Summerland 2002 Bien Nacido Vineyard Chardonnay
Single Vineyard Collection
|
Malibu Wine Classic |
Summerland 2002 Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir
Single Vineyard Collection
|
California State Fair Wine Competition |
Summerland 2002 Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir
Single Vineyard Collection
|
Los Angeles County Fair Wine Competition |
Summerland 2002 Odyssey-Thurlestone Vineyard Pinot Noir
Single Vineyard Collection
|
Malibu Wine Classic |
Summerland 2002 Santa Barbara County Chardonnay
Central Coast Collection
|
Pacific Rim International Wine Competition |
Summerland 2003 Bien Nacido Chardonnay
Single Vineyard Collection
|
San Francisco International Wine Competition |
Summerland 2003 Bien Nacido Syrah
Single Vineyard Collection
|
San Francisco International Wine Competition |
Summerland 2002 Central Coast Pinot Noir
Central Coast Collection
|
Los Angeles County Fair Wine Competition |
Summerland 2002 Central Coast Pinot Noir
Central Coast Collection
|
Orange County Fair Wine Competition |
BRONZE MEDALS |
Wine |
Competition |
Summerland 2003 Paso Robles Syrah
Central Coast Collection
|
Orange County Fair Wine Competition |
Summerland 2004 Santa Barbara County Sauvignon Blanc
Central Coast Collection
|
Malibu Wine Classic |
Summerland 2002 Bien Nacido Vineyard Chardonnay
Single Vineyard Collection
|
San Francisco International Wine Competition |
Summerland 2002 Bien Nacido Vineyard Chardonnay
Single Vineyard Collection
|
Los Angeles County Fair Wine Competition |
Summerland 2002 Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir
Single Vineyard Collection
|
San Francisco International Wine Competition |
Summerland 2002 Odyssey-Thurlestone Vineyard Pinot Noir
Single Vineyard Collection
|
Los Angeles County Fair Wine Competition |
Summerland 2002 Central Coast Pinot Noir
Central Coast Collection
|
San Diego National Wine Competition |
PRESS |
Wine |
Score |
Publication |
Summerland 2003 Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah
Single Vineyard Collection
|
91+ |
The Wine Advocate
Robert Parker
June 05 Issue, Rhone Issue |
Summerland 2002 Bien Nacido Vineyard Chardonnay
Single Vineyard Collection
|
92 |
The Wine Advocate
Robert Parker
September 04 Issue, Central Coast
|
Summerland 2002 Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir
Single Vineyard Collection
|
93 |
The Wine Advocate
Robert Parker
September 04 Issue, Central Coast
|
Summerland 2002 Santa Barbara County Highland Vineyard Syrah
Single Vineyard Collection
|
89 |
The Wine Advocate
Robert Parker
September Issue, Central Coast
|
Summerland 2004 Bien Nacido Vineyard Chardonnay
Single Vineyard Collection |
93 |
Pattersons Beverage Journal
Anthoy Dias Blue
|
Summerland 2004 Paradise Road Vineyard Viognier
Single Vineyard Collection |
92 |
Pattersons Beverage Journal
Anthoy Dias Blue |
Summerland 2002 Bien Nacido Vineyard Chardonnay
Single Vineyard Collection |
91 |
Wine Enthusiast |
Summerland 2002 Santa Barbara County Highland Vineyard Syrah
Single Vineyard Collection
|
88 |
Wine Enthusiast |
Summerland 2002 Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir
Single Vineyard Collection
|
87 |
Wine Spectator |
Summerland 2002 Central Coast Pinot Noir
Central Coast Collection
|
86 |
Wine Spectator |
Summerland 2002 Paso Robles Syrah
Central Coast Collection
|
Top 10 |
Bon Appetit Magazine
June Addition |
Summerland 2002 Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir
Single Vineyard Collection
|
Exceptional |
Dan Berger’s Vintage Experiences |
Summerland 2002 Paso Robles Syrah
Central Coast Collection
|
Exceptional |
Dan Berger’s Vintage Experiences |
