Welcome to Lompoc

 When one thinks of Lompoc, it is usually of the wonderful Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills AVA and tasting rooms in the Lompoc Wine Ghetto, but there are other gems to be discovered—and like precious gems, they are not easy to discover. I want to introduce you to a rare find in the wine world—Turiya Wines. This small boutique winery is open to visitors by appointment only, and specializes in classic Bordeaux style wines. The Owner and Winemaker Angela Soleno is eager to introduce you to her wines.

Unlike some wine businesses professionals, Angela doesn’t come from money; this is not a hobby for her, she isn’t a stockbroker doing this on the side, nor an investment banker looking to find some new gratification in life. This is her life and passion, and has been for almost 10 years now. Angela’s heart and soul go into her wine and it shows. Her 2008 vintage was the first release and as anxious as a winemaker might be to realize some income, she aged the wine three years in the barrel and a year in the bottle before its understated, low-profile release. Turiya Wine's 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Camp 4 Vineyard and Syrah, along with her Perpetual Bliss blend, are truly world-class wines. All are reflections of the grapes, with soft fruit character, gentle earthy tones and well developed tannins. These wines are now retired to the library and the latest vintage was rolled out—a new blend and some interesting varietals—Malbec and Petite Verdot—equitable in style and in taste.

I had the chance to work at Heitz Cellars, Martha’s Vineyard,during a harvest in the early1970s, and was able to taste and buy some of the Cabernets from that era and region. I knew I was at the beginning of something great. I had been drinking Lafite Rothschild at the time, and today I have that same feeling of being 'in' at the beginning of a great winemaker’s early career.

Like Heitz Cellars back then, Angela sources her fruit from the best available vineyards, treats the grapes with love and respect, uses minimal processing, and lets the fruit and land speak for themselves.Her skill is in doing the right thing and nothing more—two varietals each year with a blend designed to compliment the vintages. It's worth seeking this Lompoc winery out. Tastings are by appointment only; please call (805) 478-7016 or visit www.turiyawines.com

www.WineCountryThisMonth.com

JUNE 2015

SUBMITTED BY GENE TAYLOR