“Terroir describes a totality of elements where geology dictates the overall landscape, rock type, the landform, the exposure, soil, subsoil, and drainage. The climate invites distribution of the vine, the selection of the variety, and its cultivation by man.”—James Wilson, Terroir
Santa Barbara Wine County is a transverse valley: as opposed to most wine regions in the world which run from north to south, the Santa Ynez Valley runs from east to west and also contains within it more varying terroir than most wine regions in the world.
Dierberg Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills
In the Sta. Rita Hills, the combination of a purely East/West maritime throat, poor marine-based soils, elevated calcium in the soil and the Pacific’s cooling influence through fog, wind and moderating summer heat combine to form one of the world’s best cool-climate viticulture areas for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Drum Canyon Vineyard could almost be thought of as three distinct vineyards: the flats, the beginning of the upslope or “premier cru” segment, and the upper portion before the hilltop, or “grand cru” section. Tierra Loam soils dominate the upper portion of the vineyard and give way to Elder Shaley Loam and sandstone as the hill descends to areas that are also covered by fewer cobblestones. Mature vines throughout the vineyard produce deep and complex fruit in truly low-vigor soils.
Star Lane Vineyard, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara
In the easternmost edge of the Santa Ynez Valley and the wine growing region of Santa Barbara, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara is a truly unique terroir that sets up nicely for the production of excellent California Cabernet Sauvignon. A newer terroir recognized in 2009, the area has different sun exposure, heat and geology than the western Sta. Rita Hills region. In fact, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara and Sta. Rita Hills are more akin to Napa Valley and the Russian River than two appellations within the same “region.”
Star Lane Vineyard contains Shedd Shilty Loam, Diablo Clay Loam, and Chamise Shaly Loam. The Vineyard is a mix of fairly free draining loamy soils largely derived from the Paso Robles formation. The top 2/3rds of the vineyard has a lot of calcium cabonate pebbles and some serpentine, and the bottom 3rd has much more serpentine. The latter of which increases magnesium and stress on the plant even though the extra clay in the bottom 3rd holds more water and would otherwise encourage vigor.