A recent visit to the Santa Cruz Mountains convinced me I need to return more often to this unique appellation situated between San Jose and Santa Cruz.
This heavily wooded area was once a sleepy domain dominated by a few giants of California wine – Ridge Vineyards, Mount Eden Vineyards and Bonny Doon. These days there are more than 75 wineries in the appellation, producing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style and Rhone-style blends.
On a beautiful fall day I took the scenic drive on California Highway 17, over the mountains to Santa Cruz and the Pacific Ocean, a mere 20 miles or so from downtown San Jose. Along the way I decided to take a detour and visit the David Bruce Winery, long renowned for its terroir-driven Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
The David Bruce vineyards are situated in a forested area more than 2000 feet above sea level, less than 20 miles from the ocean. The days are warm and the nights are cool, the perfect climatic environment for Pinot and Chardonnay. The estate Chardonnay is firmly structured, and exhibits notes of lemon oil and spice. The estate Pinot is earthy and luscious, with a bit of tannic grip on the finish that bodes well for a long life.
I consider both wines collectibles, priced in the $50 range, with ample upside if you choose to cellar them for additional maturity and complexity.
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