Only tiny amounts of this sensational Pinot Noir were produced by owner/winemaker Deborah Hall. The picturesque Gypsy Canyon property (in the same appellation as the famous Sea Smoke vineyards) has an exceptionally cool microclimate compared to other vineyard sites in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. This allows the berries to ripen with stable sugar levels and develop complex full-bodied fruit character, producing a true Burgundian-style Pinot Noir. The vineyard is tended by hand to create balance vine by vine. The winemaking also is done by hand in small lots with no filtration, which allows honest expression of the Santa Rita Hills terroir. Gypsy Canyon Pinot Noir has become a Central Coast cult wine and is in great demand because of such limited availability and the high quality of the wine.

We have told you of the historic packaging in previous emails and that remains the same for the terrific 2005 Lot 2. Deborah has lovingly signed each and every one of the 1,104 bottles produced.

Deborah stopped by the store earlier this week and offered us a sample. (We knew she was coming and had our glasses in hand all morning in anticipation.) What a fantastic example of Sta. Rita Hills! It has the fruit and power you have come to expect from that appellation without sacrificing the delicacy, nuance and spiciness that true lovers of Pinot Noir seek. Deborah walks that fine line like it is a super highway and not a razor's edge. This is a wine that will show well right now and continue to improve in the cellar. Just like the first lot, Lot 2 is soft and elegant with luscious fruit flavors and a long finish. The additional six months of aging in second-year oak barrels has added complexity when compared to the initial release. Deborah describes the aromas as "fresh earth, violets and mocha, enhanced by the additional barrel time." The richness so typical of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA is there on the palate and the finish is long and satisfying.

Through Deborah's extensive research, she found that, in the early 1800s, the first known woman wine grower in California, Dona Marcelina Felix Dominguez, grew Mission vines on her Santa Barbara property. In honor and celebration of Dona Marcelina's contribution to women in wine, Deborah's ancient Mission vineyard has been named Dona Marcelina's Vineyard. Today, it is the oldest producing vineyard in Santa Barbara County.

In keeping with the historic nature of the vineyard, Deborah makes "California Original Angelica" following the great pioneer winemaker Emile Vache's notes from 1891. She has again produced a miniscule number of half-bottles of this exquisite fortified dessert wine (9% residual sugar and 17% alcohol). Here is a rare taste of California history. The packaging (see picture), similar to that of the Pinot Noir, is absolutely stunning. The labels were hand-made and Deborah personally signs every bottle.

The price of this luscious beauty is $120.00 per 375 ml. bottle. It is an artistic treasure too rare to miss.