Recently tasted: Double Bond Winery

Double Bond came across my radar through a good friend and colleague. This small Central Coast winery was founded by biochemist John Klacking. The winemaking team is headed up by retired physicist John Thunen, who has a long successful track record in small batch production. Double Bond’s portfolio is made up entirely of limited production single varietal wines from established vineyards in Edna Valley and Santa Barbara County. Especially noteworthy are the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Edna Ranch and Wolff Vineyards in Edna Valley, and the Syrah from the Larner Vineyard in the Ballard Canyon of Santa Ynez Valley.  Partner Sean McCaffrey says the philosophy of Double Bond is all about combining the best fruit sources with minimal winemaking. The results are impressive. Here are my notes for the wines.

2008 Chardonnay, Edna Ranch Vineyard, Edna Valley 14.2% $28 SRP
Notes: bright, forward tropical fruits with Meyer lemon-lime citrus, a touch of savory herb, and vanilla cream spice. Elegant, well-balanced, and seamless. The best Edna Valley Chardonnay I’ve tasted in a very long time.

2008 Pinot Noir, Wolff Vineyard, Edna Valley 13.8% $45 SRP
Notes: cranberry, sour cherry, and beet aromas with notes of red flowers, lavender, black tea, and barrel spice. Forward, supple, and very long.

2009 Pinot Noir, Wolff Vineyard, Edna Valley 15.2% $45 SRP
Much riper style than the 2008 vintage. Ripe, plummy fruit with notes of craisin, savory herb, mint, and pronounced barrel spice. Rich, lush, and spicy.

2008 Syrah Lanner Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley 15.9% $48 SRP
Ripe black fruits with kirsch, pepper spice, black licorice, dried savory herb, bitter chocolate, and coffee notes. Touch of heat on the finish. Dense, powerful, and concentrated.