The newest project from all-star Santa Barbara native winemaker, Justin Willett, 'Ad Ripa' means to the sea. All the grapes are from excellent sites planted to Cabernet Sauvignon throughout the coastal Santa Ynez River valley, particularly the Happy Canyon AVA.

'China Blue' is a single vineyard within Happy Canyon, which has the warmest microclimate in Santa Barbara. The large diurnal temperature shift, further moderated by the surrounding forest, allows the to ripen slowly and fully while retaining acidity and freshness. The China Blue Cabernet Sauvignon is hand-picked, entirely de-stemmed and fermented by native yeasts with 2 weeks maceration. The final wine is aged 20 months in French oak barrels of which 33% are new, then bottled unfiltered and unfined to produce a naturally satisfying and full-bodied red. 

Justin has produced an extremely fine example of true California Cab here, balanced and very full without unnecessary manipulation in the cellar. It is the real deal, a full package complete with succulent tannins, a gorgeous nose of bay leaf and cinnamon, and a long finish of dry black fruits. For the price this is a better value than many of the big name Napa reds that go for $100 or more. 

Pairing: Burger, steak frites

Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon planted in 2014 

Soil: Clay loams with serpentine and chert soils 

Viticulture: Practicing Organic