2024 San Francisco International Wine Competition - Gold Medal Winner
The result is 'La Mistura' - the purest expression of a terroir we call Baxter Ridge
Sangiovese, known as 'The Blood of Jove' from the Roman God Jupiter, is arguably the most significant grape varietal cultivated in the Tuscany Region of Italy. This varietal thrives in a Mediterranean climate, at approximately 1350 feet in elevation, with south-facing slopes that are warm during the day and cool at night. These optimal conditions intersect not only in Tuscany but also in Southern California.
Our vines are situated at 1370 feet elevation, benefiting from long sunny days and cool ocean breezes at night. Coupled with ideal soil conditions and meticulous vineyard management, these factors contribute to exceptional fruit quality. Daytime temperatures often reach into the 90s Fahrenheit, followed by nights in the 50s—a temperature fluctuation that provides the vines with an ideal stress mix.
We apply similar standards to the vineyards where we source our other varietals for blending. We maintain longstanding relationships with vignerons who share our obsession with their fruit, terroir, and climate. Our core belief - exceptional wines start in the vineyard.
A key element contributing to the complexity of our wines is the extended time they spend on the skins both before and after fermentation. Initially, our wines undergo a cold soak for 10+ days before fermentation begins. Following fermentation, we allow the wines to remain on the skins again before pressing, resulting in a total skin contact time of 30-45 days. These additional days, hours, minutes, and seconds of skin contact impart significantly more flavor and depth to the finished wine.
We apply the same meticulous approach to crafting wines from the fruit selected to blend with our estate Sangiovese. Only the finest Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc sourced from Paso Robles, Santa Ynez, and Ojai meet our standards.
2019 - 2021 Vintages (using UC Davis Scoring):
GOLD - San Francisco International Wine Competition
DOUBLE GOLD Medal - Costa Mesa, CA - Orange County Wine Society - highest rated Sangiovese and a runner up for 'Best of Show'
SILVER Medal - San Francisco, CA at North of the Gate Wine Competition; highest rated Sangiovese.
GOLD Medal - Austin, TX at Texas International Wine Competition; highest rated Sangiovese
GOLD and SILVER Medals in Paso Robles, CA at the Central Coast Wine Competition
GOLD Medal - Austin, TX at Texas International Wine Competition - highest Sangiovese and Red Blend
DOUBLE GOLD Medal - Costa Mesa, CA - Orange County Wine Society - highest rated Sangiovese Blend and a runner up for 'Best of Show'
2022 - Il Mosaico - 43% Sangiovese , 29% Merlot, 25% Petit Verdot, 3% Syrah
A walk through old-world vineyards reveals an inviting bouquet of ripe red cherries and plums from the Sangiovese, intertwining with the darker, more robust notes of blackberries and cocoa from the Merlot. The Petit Verdot adds hints of violet and a touch of graphite, while the Syrah introduces a subtle peppery spice and dark chocolate notes. The mid-palate brings lingering bright red fruit from the Sangiovese, complemented by a plush, rounded mouthfeel. The finish is long, with lingering notes of dark fruit and subtle earthiness, along with a touch of spice, like an E.M. Forster novel.
2021 50% Sangiovese, 50% Syrah
A trip back to Tuscany with so much more to see; old and new world styles continue the dance. A blend of dark fruit and flower flavors, dark cherry jam, blackberries, rosemary, lavender, violets, and subtle black pepper. Beautiful mid-pallet, silky tannins with lingering spice notes. La Dolce Vita, Part II!
2021 La Mistura - 50% Sangiovese, 27.5% Cabernet Sauv. 12.5% Syrah, 10% Petit Verdot
A tribute to the craftsmanship of old-world style blends from Montepulciano, offering a rich and complex profile. It presents an array of fragrant black fruit aromas, such as dark cherry, blueberry and blackberry jam, complemented by lavender and violets. The mid-palette goes on and on with subtle hints of tobacco, slate and black pepper. It is full-bodied with velvety tannins and a lingering finish. Like having dinner overlooking Montepulciano...with Sophia Loren!
2020 La Mistura - 50% Sangiovese, 50% Syrah
The old world of Montalcino meets the new world of California! This wine is packed with dark fruit and flower flavors, including cherries, dried cranberry, rosemary, lavender, blackberry, violets, and black pepper. Fruit forward with elegant mid-pallet, silky tannins with lingering spice notes. A finish worthy of a Fellini film!
Named after our late yellow Labrador Retriever, Baxter, the name is a fitting tribute to this perfect gentleman of a dog. Our new lab, Blake, carries the torch forward in his honor and is active in all parts of the winemaking process.
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Proud member of the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce https://www.conejochamber.org
