Star Lane Vineyard: Redefining Cabernet Sauvignon in Santa Barbara

Now is your exclusive chance to experience Star Lane. Whether you taste their wines at home or visit their vineyard, Star Lane offers an exciting and pioneering journey into the future of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Visit their website www.starlanevineyard.com to purchase their Star Lane Cabernet Sauvignon or request a private tasting.

In the grand narrative of American viticulture, Napa Valley has long been celebrated as the nation's Cabernet Sauvignon king. But this story is evolving, and nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara County is a vineyard that's challenging the status quo. Welcome to Star Lane Vineyard, a gem in the Happy Canyon AVA, which is fast gaining recognition for its world-class Cabernet Sauvignon.

A Star Is Born

Star Lane Vineyard is more than just a winery – it’s a testament to innovation and ambition. The Star Lane Cabernet Sauvignon redefines the potential for Cabernet Sauvignon in Santa Barbara, a region often overlooked in favor of its more northerly neighbors. But as the Wine Enthusiast notes, "The reds [from Santa Barbara] are rich, yet often with much more nuance than many other Cab-producing regions." Star Lane Vineyard's Cabernet Sauvignon perfectly embodies this unique richness and nuance.

Changing Climates, Shifting Perspectives

As the effects of climate change become increasingly prominent, regions such as Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara benefit from their naturally cooler positions on the California coast. Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara is at the easternmost edge of Santa Barbara wine country, where abundant sunshine leads to optimal ripeness and a generally cooler microclimate helps to maintain acidity in the grapes. In fact, though just two hours north of Los Angeles, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara is another world with rolling hills, cool evenings, soils, and sun that are perfect for growing excellent California Cabernet.

Santa Barbara's unique climate, with its east-west valleys funneling cool ocean air into the vineyards, offers an enticing alternative to Napa and Paso. The temperate conditions provide a longer growing season, ensuring that Cabernet Sauvignon grapes reach optimal maturity while maintaining their crucial acidity. This balance results in wines with rich fruit character, well-structured tannins, and a complexity that’s both engaging and unique.

Why Santa Barbara and Why Star Lane

As a wine enthusiast, you may wonder why Santa Barbara, often acclaimed for its Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, makes such compelling Cabernet Sauvignon. While Cabernet is often associated with warmer climates, it thrives in Happy Canyon, the sunniest of Santa Barbara's sub-AVAs, where Star Lane Vineyard is located.

Why is Happy Canyon so well-suited to this king of grapes? One of the keys lies in its diurnal temperature swings. The warm, sunny days ripen the Cabernet Sauvignon to perfection, while the cool nights, courtesy of the breeze and coastal influence, help the grapes retain their acidity. This unique balance of warmth and coolness is instrumental in producing Cabernet Sauvignon with depth, complexity, and that essential freshness that sets Star Lane apart.

The unique microclimate is not the only factor that elevates Star Lane's Cabernet Sauvignon. Their commitment to sustainable farming practices ensures the vines are healthy, the soil fertile, and the ecosystem preserved. All these elements, when combined with the winemaking genius of Tyler Thomas, create a Cabernet Sauvignon that's a true expression of the vineyard's terroir and a testament to the potential of Santa Barbara.

The Star Lane Experience

Star Lane Vineyard's success can't be discussed without acknowledging the extraordinary work of winemaker Tyler Thomas. His philosophy of minimal intervention allows the land's voice to resonate in every bottle. Under his guidance, the Star Lane Cabernet Sauvignon has flourished, displaying deep fruit flavors, an elegantly structured palate, and a delightful freshness that sets it apart.

This stellar Cabernet Sauvignon showcases Tyler's belief that exceptional wine is crafted in the vineyard. Every decision, from vineyard layout to pruning to harvest times, is meticulously made to ensure the highest quality fruit, which subsequently leads to the highest quality wine.

Becoming Part of Star Lane's Story

Star Lane Vineyard invites you to become part of their unfolding story. You can explore their unique terroir and pioneering spirit from the comfort of your home by ordering their 2018 Star Lane Cabernet Sauvignon online. Alternatively, their vineyard’s doors are open for tastings on an exclusive, reservation-only basis. As you walk through the subterranean caves, taste the wine, and soak in the ambiance, you'll be able to experience firsthand the passion and innovation that fuel this exceptional winery.

Redefining Expectations

As climate change alters the landscape of wine-growing regions globally, innovative wineries like Star Lane Vineyard are exploring and succeeding in new frontiers. By pushing boundaries and challenging traditional perceptions, they are reshaping the narrative of Cabernet Sauvignon. Whether you taste their wines at home or visit their vineyard, Star Lane offers an exciting and pioneering journey into the future of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Visit their website www.starlanevineyard.com to purchase their 2018 Star Lane Cabernet Sauvignon or request a private tasting.