2020 China Blue Monopole Cabernet, Tyler Winery

China Blue is a monopole Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard planted for Tyler Winery in 2014 and is located at the far eastern reaches of the Santa Ynez Valley. This remarkable transverse valley, host to ocean fog and winds, is welcoming of immense diversity because of a simple rule of thumb: for every mile traveled inland, a degree of temperature Fahrenheit is gained. In a thirty minute drive, one can encounter Tyler’s bracing, tensile Chardonnay of the Sta. Rita Hills and the resounding, ornate fruit of China Blue in Happy Canyon. Beneath, China Blue is replete with smooth cobbles deposited by ancient rivers, red and yellow chert, and green serpentine born from within the San Rafael mountains. Low vine vigor allows for wines of great concentration, and the unique position of this valley promotes freshness and complexity. In the glass, expect dark-red stone fruit enlaced with incense and herbs—lavender and sage.