I've been working a lot lately on expanding our California offerings. It's a difficult task for an old world wine drinker, but I'm finding that if I seek out the smaller, artisan producers there's a better chance that something will pique my interest. So when Scott Howett from Mystic Vines approached me about Central Coast winemaker Bryan Babcock, a little research told me I needed to pay attention to these wines.
It seems Bryan has been getting lots of recognition lately as the Los Angeles Times named him as one of the "Ten Best Winemakers of the Year", he was also named by this influential daily as "Most Courageous Winemaker of the Year" for his daring style. The prestigious James Beard Foundation chose Bryan as one of the "Top Ten Small Production Winemakers in the World," the only American to receive the title!
Located in the Santa Ynez Valley, the Babcock family has owned and operated the winery for over 30 years. Pretty small production here, ranging anywhere from 300 cases to 5000 at the most. They offer an excellent range of wines and to show you the scope of what they make we'll be tasting five of them in our Friday Free For All this week. Definitely worth a look, what have you got to lose, it's free!
Chardonnay, $19.50
“Identity Crisis” Syrah (a white wine, very interesting...), $16.99
“Rita’s Earth” Pinot Noir, $24.99
“Classic Rock” Cabernet, $21.99
“Under the Radar” Merlot, $19.50
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