We just love this drop from Drake Whitcraft, whose 2+ decades of winemaking is a revival of an old-school approach to Santa Barbara fruit.

It's authentic, biodynamic work that speaks to his lifetime growing up in the industry: a foundational stretch with Burt Williams (Williams-Selyem) on top of learning the ropes at the family winery, which was established 40 years ago by his parents Chris and Kathleen Whitcraft (1985).

Drake's wines always represent a tight set of Central Coast vineyards (including the appellation's most iconic Sanford & Benedict) – and this release also includes cuvées rarely seen on the east coast: Chenin Blanc from Stolpman, Syrah from Escolle further north in Monterey, and a lip-smacking, Trousseau-heavy co-ferment from his home vineyard. Across the board, everything is fermented 100% whole cluster, with a meticulous focus on free-run juice.

Details on each wine below.

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2022 Whitcraft Winery Stolpman Vineyard Chenin Blanc, Ballard Canyon, $45
100% Chenin Blanc from Stolpman Vineyard, in the block planted by Santa Barbara icons Peter Stolpman and Raj Parr with an especially rich clone from Anjou. Aged for 18 months in neutral 500L puncheon.

2023 Whitcraft Winery Elle's Vineyard Red, Santa Barbara $52
65% Trousseau, 20% Pinot Noir, and 15% Gamay Noir from Drake's backyard vineyard, co-fermented with 100% whole clusters. A juicy, refreshing and orange citrus driven take on Cali Trousseau.

2023 Whitcraft Winery Escolle Vineyard Syrah, Santa Lucia Highlands, $52
100% Syrah planted in a granite-heavy block of Escolle Vineyard, in Monterey's Santa Lucia Highlands. Fermented with 100% whole clusters and aged 11 months in neutral barrel, for a coastal Syrah that threads the needle between vibrant fruit and meaty Syrah.

2023 Whitcraft Winery Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sta Rita Hills, $84
100% Pinot Noir from a block in the iconic vineyard that was planted in 2008 with clonal material from Richard Sanford's original 1971 plantings, which has mutated over the years into a unique clone specific to the site. Fermented with 100% whole clusters in a more lithe, infusion-style Pinot, beautifully perfumed and a little spicy.

2023 Whitcraft Winery La Rinconada Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sta Rita Hills, $84
From the vineyard right next to Sanford & Benedict, planted to Mount Eden clone. A cooling, energetic variation of Drake's leaner style.
There's also a touch of 2022 in stock!