PRODUCER: Donnachadh
REGION: Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara, Central Coast, California
WINEMAKERS/PROPRIETORS: Ernst Strom; Drew and Laurie Duncan
Donnachadh may be a relatively new estate in the Sta. Rita Hills, but it is already the talk of the town in the California wine scene, an up-and-coming future star that we are delighted to have joining our portfolio.
WINERY HISTORY
Donnachadh is an organically farmed 115ha property with 16ha planted to vines – Chardonnay, Pinot, Syrah and Gamay, certified in 2020. It was established in 2013 by Drew and Laurie Duncan, who searched the length and breadth of California for many years to find this ideal site.
VITICULTURE & WINEMAKING
Based in the Santa Rita Hills and benefiting from the unique West-East coastal breezes of the appellation, the estate vineyard spans 16ha on varied soils. There are two main parcels on the estate. The first is the hillside block, dominated by marine shale deposits and exposed to the prevailing oceanic winds drifting through Santa Barbara’s transverse valleys. The second is the more protected riverside block that stretch along the Santa Ynez River, sheltered from the wind and planted amongst well-draining sandy loam atop deep layers of gravel river deposits. Both these sites display a deep unicity, each producing wines of intriguing character and deep complexity.
Donnachadh strives to make wines that express the beauty of their location. While inspired by Burgundy and the Northern Rhone, the desire is to make wines that are recognisably Santa Barbara in personality. The cool climate and ocean breeze here permit a long ripening season, allowing the grapes to develop rich, complex flavours while retaining a bright natural acidity.
In the cellar, Ernst Storm is on board and making the wines. One of the Central Coast's most celebrated winemakers, he brings an expertise and encyclopedic knowledge of this particular corner of Santa Barbara. Having long since proved himself as an expert translator of the region's unique terroir, his wines are defined by their sensations of transparency and tranquility. The Chardonnay is foot stomped before pressing to barrel, the Pinot and Gamay are partially destemmed and the Syrah fully. The wines are all classically styled, nuanced, layered and destined for greatness. Already lauded by some of the most influential critics, as the vineyard matures the wines will continue to improve further and will no doubt be ranked among the best of not just the Sta. Rita Hills, but all of California.
