The rocky, iron-laced, and rugged terrain tends to stress the vines — forcing them to struggle a bit. That struggle results in small, concentrated grape clusters with intense flavor. The combination of altitude, soil, and climate (warm days but cooler Santa Maria-Valley-adjacent nights) helps produce grapes with plenty of acidity, bold fruit characteristics, and strong structure (tannins, minerality, complexity).
Colson
Santa Maria Valley
Colson Canyon
Terroir
Elevation
1400 ft
Soils
Iron-laced clay and shale
Acreage
16.5 acres
“Planted in 1998, Colson Canyon is one of the highest vineyards in Santa Barbara County. It sits above the fog line which creates very cool nights and longer sun hours. I bought the vineyard in 2016, but have made every vintage since the year 2000.”