After 22 years as the premier producer of Happy Canyon Sauvignon Blanc we are back to where we began with the production of small lots of vineyard specific wines. We firmly believe this very special region of Santa Barbara County produces world-class wines. The high mineral (low nutrient) soils of the Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara AVA automatically put this wine into a special category. The tremendous diurnal temperature swings (lowest lows to the highest highs and back to the lowest lows in one day) along with reductive winemaking, bâtonnage, results in mineral quality, a textured palate and savoriness. Additionally, an ability to age for ten to twenty years. The stunning Vogelzang Vineyard is once again part of the repertoire and rightly so. We selected four barrels to make this Single-Vineyard lot and aged them a little bit longer to shine alone. This is a classic expression of Sauvignon Blanc from an extraordinary place. 124 cases made.
These grapes are grown from a small block (less than 1 acre) at our Estate Vineyard in the Los Olivos District. The word Picpoul means “lip stinger” and it is one of the oldest grape varieties from the Languedoc Roussillon appellation of France. The majority of the Picpoul Blanc that we produce is a crucial component of our Estate M5 White Rhône style blend providing excellent acidity and freshness to the finished wine. 185 cases made.
After three years of time, investment and significant nurturing, we released our first Sparkling Blanc de Blancs made from 100% Chardonnay, from the Sta. Rita Hills, in the time honored tradtion of Méthode Champensoise.
As many of you know, the Sta. Rita Hills appellation in Santa Barbara County is the preeminent region to grow Chardonnay in California. Our refrigerated-sunglight climate grows ripe fruit while maintaining astonishing acidities. It is this acid that also allows for incredible Sparkling Wine so much so that we think the SRH will become the definitive place to produce the best Sparkling Wines in California.
Years in the making with ages ahead of it, this Sparkling wine presents a small bead, creamy mousse, soft tight knit bubbles, aromas of lemon curd, white cherries and brioche wrapped in a savoury mouthfeel that is persistent and very fine. We recommend it be savored for celebrations and success.
BARDEN focuses exclusively on the terroir of the Sta. Rita Hills sourcing fruit from top vineyards in the appellation, showcasing the region’s classic typicity for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah. With its diverse, marine-based soils and refrigerated-sunlight climate, the Sta. Rita Hills provides a perfect place for Doug “Barden” Margerum to leverage his forty years of food and wine experience to make limited amounts of world-class, cuisine-friendly and age-worthy wines. The BARDEN name’s English meaning is “Lives near the boar's den…” Thus the image of a wild boar, which is pervasive in our area’s vineyards.
If Santa Barbara County had a "Grand Cru" Vineyard, Sanford & Benedict Vineyard, would widley be considered at the top of that list. Old Vine and small production.
A balanced approach between fruit and minerality. There is an earthiness balanced with white pear, bready texture and a high-toned nerviness. Rich and expansive with good acidity and a long finish.
Color: Gold with green and yellow hues.
Aroma: Very aromatically complex with sweet slightly tropical fruits with layers of sweet butter, toast and cream.
Dry, crisp on the palate and very persistent. Fruitiness balanced with a touch of mouth-watering acidity and plenty of verve. A full-bodied wine which is a perfect spring and summer sipper. It has just enough seriousness to pair with the right foods.
Color: Very pale orange and pink.
Aroma: Lively red fruit aromas of strawberry and watermelon with a hint of minerality.
Light and bright white gold with hints of green hues. Fresh green tropical fruits and melon mix with green citrus blossom, lime leaf, lime pith and fresh grass. Energetic and zippy on the palate with a wonderful savory, creamy texture. Layers of slate, grapefruit, honeydew melon, honeysuckle and lemongrass. Classic Loire style Sauvignon Blanc except with low SO2.
An expansive complex expression of Sauvignon Blanc with savory elements, great natural acidity balanced with fruit and nuances of oak. The texture of the wine is full, powerful and persistent with the lees and wood complementing the strong fresh fruit in this very young wine.
Color: Golden straw green tinged, bright and viscous.
Aroma: Sweet vanillian notes with marmalade (orange, fig, and peach) aromas complemented by creamy notes, brioche, white florals and marula fruit.
After 22 years as the premier producer of Happy Canyon Sauvignon Blanc we are back to where we began with the production of small lots of vineyard specific bottlings. We firmly believe this very special region of Santa Barbara County produces world-class wines. The high mineral (low nutrient) soils of the Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara AVA automatically put this wine into a special category. The tremendous diurnal temperature swings (lowest lows to the highest highs and back to the lowest lows in one day) along with reductive winemaking, bâtonnage, results in mineral quality, a textured palate and savoriness. Additionally, an ability to age for ten to twenty years.
The original desire to produce Sauvignon Blanc began at McGinley Vineyards. Ben Merz took me to Block 2A, which is a peninsula that narrows to the south. This block is perfectly positioned to the sun and has been the core and soul of our Sauvignon Blanc production for the last 22 years. 152 cases made.
M5 White is a white Rhône-style blend similar to Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc. M is for Margerum, 5 is for five grapes that make up the blend. It is rich with complex flavors and a long finish. Colors of straw and golden hues with a viscosity that clings to the glass as it is swirled. M5 White has a full, round and pleasing palate with ample acidity to balance the richness. This is a wine that will continue to evolve with time in bottle.
A unique blend of Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier and Picpoul Blanc
Aromas of apricots, white florals, sweet honey with hints of brioche toast and tropical fruits.
Flavors of apple and a touch of peach nectar engage with the bright acidity.
Aged in mostly neutral French oak barrels and puncheons.
