There is a distinct geology as well as unique micro-climate in these coastal forests of Santa Cruz that contributes to an expression of California wine that is very different from our neighbors to the North... Read More

There is a distinct geology as well as unique micro-climate in these coastal forests of Santa Cruz that contributes to an expression of California wine that is very different from our neighbors to the North in Sonoma and Napa.

Our focus is often on the old-school Santa Cruz producers. Classic vineyards like Ridge's Monte Bello and those of Mount Eden have been producing some of California's top wines for decades. And more recent cult favorites like Rhys have also brought renewed energy and attention to the area.

That is why were very excited to learn about, and then taste, a very new winery called Mindego Ridge. The back story is simple but sort of perfect. In 2009 Stacey and Dave Gollnick purchased 10 acres of land in the far, Northwest corner of the Santa Cruz Mountains appellation. They wanted to become growers and so they planted all 10 acres to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Since then they have farmed the vines with a combination of organic and biodynamic practices and hired star winemaker Ehren Jordan (of Failla in Sonoma) as their winemaker. As he does at Failla, Ehren uses only native yeast fermentation and does not fine or filter the wine. Everything is done by hand (and mostly hands-off) and as such there is a very lovely, light touch on these wines.