Lumen - California
Lane Tanner was the first female winemaker in Central California, and the first to dedicate her entire winery to Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir. Her knowledge of the Santa Maria Valley dates back to her first vintage in 1981, as oenologist for Firestone, a job that the legendary Andre Tchelistcheff recommended her for. She later made wine for Zaca Mesa and the Hitching Post, and finally under her own label in 1989. Her wines are notable for being low in alcohol and sulfites
Lane’s strategy for producing the finest wines is harvesting the grapes when they taste right, not when the sugar hits a certain number. She strives for maturity and complexity in her wines but crafts them so as to retain the sparkle of youth.
Website: www.lumenwines.com
The Wines
Grenache Blanc
Aromas reminiscent of fresh-spun cotton candy at a summer carnival, with notes of jasmine in the air. Beautifully integrated crsip acidity and creaminess, with flavors of lemon curd, honey and almond butter on the palate and wet stone mineral notes on the finish. Serve with sushi, shellfish, ceviche, fish or vegetarian fare.
Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County
Wonderfully vibrant and energetic, with penetrating raspberry and rose petal on the nose, followed by undulating flavors of strawberry, thyme and sandalwood on the palate – all wrapped in a firm yet velvety texture. Long, vibrant finish with lingering fruit and minerality, accented by cardamom and anise notes. Well-matched with any wild game, salmon or bird dish, with power enough to cut through any hot curry or Sechuan fare.
Grenache
A blend of pure Grenache from two vineyards in Northern Santa Barbara County both of which are influenced by cool, foggy mornings and windy afternoons due to their proximity to the ocean. Martian Vineyard lies on the gentle hillsides in Alios Canyon in Los Alamos, and is biodynamically farmed. Camp 4 is owned and managed by the Chumash Tribe and lies just east of the town of Los Olivos. Both were selected and blended for their pure expression of Central Coast Grenache fruit.