Feature Winery: Saddlerock Vineyards
When I think of Malibu, I think of sand and surf, movie stars and shopping…but not necessarily food and wine. But if you think of the Santa Monica Mountain Range situated slightly west of the city, the climate is actually pretty good for growing grapes.
The mountain range extends for about 40 miles near the coast of California at an elevation topping out at just under 1,000 feet. Geologists believe the range was created from the Raymond Fault line, the process of uplifting and submergence has created dense sedimentary and volcanic rock under foot. The climate is also favorable in the mountains, dry, warm summers followed by mild to cool winters.
Enter Malibu Family Vineyards, Saddlerock Ranch was bought by the Semler Family/Malibu Family Vineyards and turned into a winery. Owners of Patron, the Semler family took their experience from the liquor industry to develop the Saddlerock Ranch winery into a brand. The winery has developed into about 60,000 vines over 65 acres with plans to reach 100,000 wines. Today they produce Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Malbec, Grenache, Viognier and Mouvedre.
Saddlerock Chardonnay, 2009
From: Central Coast (Santa Monica Mountains)
Description: Light gold in color, this fruit forward Chardonnay has powerful flavors of green apple, pear, and orange blossoms. A crisp, clean light style with a smooth finish.
$14
Saddlerock Merlot, 2008
From: Central Coast (Santa Monica Mountains)
Description: Fruit forward on the nose with intense flavors of strawberry and cherry on the palette. A nice spice rounds out the body and leads to a strong and sustaining finish.
$14
Saddlerock Pinot Noir, 2007
From: Central Coast (Santa Monica Mountains)
Description: This gold medal winning Pinot Noir displays the true style of the Central Coast. Balanced fruit flavors with clove and earth. A medium style with surprisingly restrained oak and jammy fruits.
$20
Saddlerock Cabernet, 2007
From: Central Coast (Santa Monica Mountains)
Description: Smooth and complex fruit forward Cabernet with flavors of dark cherry, creme brulee and chocolate. Dessert in a bottle!
$18
The mountain range extends for about 40 miles near the coast of California at an elevation topping out at just under 1,000 feet. Geologists believe the range was created from the Raymond Fault line, the process of uplifting and submergence has created dense sedimentary and volcanic rock under foot. The climate is also favorable in the mountains, dry, warm summers followed by mild to cool winters.
Enter Malibu Family Vineyards, Saddlerock Ranch was bought by the Semler Family/Malibu Family Vineyards and turned into a winery. Owners of Patron, the Semler family took their experience from the liquor industry to develop the Saddlerock Ranch winery into a brand. The winery has developed into about 60,000 vines over 65 acres with plans to reach 100,000 wines. Today they produce Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Malbec, Grenache, Viognier and Mouvedre.
Saddlerock Chardonnay, 2009
From: Central Coast (Santa Monica Mountains)
Description: Light gold in color, this fruit forward Chardonnay has powerful flavors of green apple, pear, and orange blossoms. A crisp, clean light style with a smooth finish.
$14
Saddlerock Merlot, 2008
From: Central Coast (Santa Monica Mountains)
Description: Fruit forward on the nose with intense flavors of strawberry and cherry on the palette. A nice spice rounds out the body and leads to a strong and sustaining finish.
$14
Saddlerock Pinot Noir, 2007
From: Central Coast (Santa Monica Mountains)
Description: This gold medal winning Pinot Noir displays the true style of the Central Coast. Balanced fruit flavors with clove and earth. A medium style with surprisingly restrained oak and jammy fruits.
$20
Saddlerock Cabernet, 2007
From: Central Coast (Santa Monica Mountains)
Description: Smooth and complex fruit forward Cabernet with flavors of dark cherry, creme brulee and chocolate. Dessert in a bottle!
$18
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