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In 1978, Walt and Mona Babcock were seeking a retreat from Walt's dental practice and the rigors of being restaurateurs (Walt's Wharf in Seal Beach). They purchased 110 acres of land on the western edge of the Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara County. At that time it was a fledgling wine region which inspired them to plant 25 acres in 1980. Various notable winemakers purchased Babcock fruit and made compelling wines. It was quickly becoming apparent that the soil and cool climate here was ideal for producing ultra-premium wine grapes. Little did they know that their winery was situated in what would one day be known as Santa Rita Hills. It has become the darling of regions in Santa Barbara and heralded as one of the finest grape growing areas in California. It is generally 10 to 15 degrees cooler than eastern Santa Ynez Valley. Since 1984, their son, Bryan, has been the winemaker, producing wines of exceptional quality from the family-owned winery on the far western edge of the Santa Ynez Valley. The quality of Bryan's wines speak for themselves, yet it is his personal commitment to excellence that stands out above all else. And to think it all started by accident. The Babcocks got their first crop in 1980 and a few local winemakers took the grapes. They made pretty good wine from them so Bryan decided to switch from pre-med at Occidental to winemaking at Davis. The 1984 harvest came on so quickly that none of the winemakers who had been taking the grapes from Babcock had the time to pick and crush them. Bryan got a frantic call from his dad to come make the wine, and now! So Bryan packed up, left his classes and never went back. We have tasted Bryan's progress since the first vintage and have been amazed at his accomplishments in this relatively unchartered area. His latest Pinots are nothing short of otherworldly. Taste this beauty with a rack of lamb or duck confit, and you're in heaven. November 2011 Limited Series Newsletter (.pdf) Wine of the Month Club Limited Series November 2011 from Wine of the Month Club on Vimeo. |
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