Racines is a collaboration between Étienne de Montille and Rodolphe Péters, and Santa Barbara’s Justin Willett, owner and winemaker at Tyler Winery. From vineyards that lie on the Santa Rosa Road corridor of the Sta Rita Hills and farmed using organic practices. Varying soil types from sandy loam, clay loam, chert, shale. Vineyards: Bentrock, La Encantad , La Rinconada, Sanford & Benedict. On average, one-third whole cluster is retained during fermentation using native yeast. Aged in barrel. Mid cherry red. Spicy and subtle on the nose, peppery red fruits without unwanted sweetness and gentle oak notes. Opens to become more fragrant, almost floral, and the fruit sweetness increases. Very fine tannins shape the fruit giving this depth and elegance. Pure, fresh and persistent. Lovely wine with a little kick of oak on the finish. (JH)