Say “koh-tee-yay”
French for “Coastal”
Elegant Single Vineyard wines from Premium Coastal Vineyards
Winery
Owner/winemaker Kevin Law is committed to the highest quality, terroir-specific Burgundy and Bordeaux varietals, from some of the most exclusive vineyards in the Santa Ynez, Santa Maria and Napa Valleys. A Santa Barbara native and familiar with the many appellations, his UCSB studies in Meteorology and Geology prepared him uniquely for a deep understanding of all the natural forces involved in defining site terroir, both from weather patterns and from site geology.
Côtière began in 2006, following his years working with premier vineyards in the Central Coast and the SLH at Tantara Vineyards.
Vineyards
Fruit is from some of the most exclusive Burgundy varietal vineyards in the Central Coast, including the famed Talley “Rincon,” Presqu’ile, Hilliard Bruce, Murmur, La Encantada, Sanford and Benedict, La Rinconada vineyards. The Bordeaux program sources largely from Napa Valley, but also from the hotter, interior east end of the Santa Ynez Valley. To ensure site-specificity, he contracts vineyards by acreage, not by tonnage, allowing him to make micro-adjustments to the farming for exact rows, blocks and clones and control the yield and ultimate quality produced.
Winemaking
A minimalist winemaking approach comes from his desire that “the vineyards be showcased, not the winemaking.” To support highest quality wines, he owns and operates the very best winemaking equipment, unusual for a winery producing only 2,000 cases per year. Saying “I truly feel that good reliable equipment does translate into great wine,” means he has his own winery and uses a German-made, brand new top quality press, sorting table, de-stemmer and tanks. “While more expensive equipment exists, like optical grape sorters, I feel that this extreme technology takes away from Terroir when farming, and great vineyard management can do an even better job.” All reds are made without fining or filtration. While not dogmatic about any random alcohol level threshold yet striving for brightness, most of his wines end up with less than 14% alcohol.
Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County 2017 13.9% alcohol 92
92 Points, Vinous: “A striking appellation-level wine from Côtière. Bright citrus and floral notes jump out of the glass, but it is the wine’s textural finesse and overall nuance that leave the strongest impression. This is an especially focused, taut style, not to mention a terrific wine in its peer group.” From two highly acclaimed vineyards, the cool, sandy Murmur 70% , and 30% La Rinconada. Barrel fermented in 30% new French oak large 500L Puncheons. A delicious, high-quality Chardonnay that over-delivers for the price. 250 Cases.
Chardonnay, Santa Rita Hills 2019 13.8% alcohol New Wine!
Winery Notes: “Crushed rocks, lemon peel, white flowers and white pear build in a Chardonnay that is bursting at the seams with energy. Incredibly fresh and vibrant, this wine should age gracefully.” It is a blend of 50% La Rinconada Vineyard, 40% Sanford and Benedict and 10% Hilliard Bruce Vineyard. These three vineyards are uniquely located on the cool western edges of this appellation. Barrel fermented in puncheons and then aged in barrel for 15 months, before 2 months in tank. 25% new French oak. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. 98 cases made.
Chardonnay, Talley “Rincon” Vineyard 2016, Arroyo Grande Valley. 13.8% alcohol 6-pack
94 Points, Jeb Dunnuck: “There is so much to like! Another highlight from Côtière. Apricot, peach, spice, hazelnut and mineral notes all are pushed forward with an attractive tropical suggestion that develops later.” Famed Rincon block 13 of Brian Talley’s coveted Talley Vineyard, planted in 1982. Native yeast fermented, completed ML, and well-hidden 30% new French oak (oversized 500L barrels minimize oak influence). Unfined, unfiltered. Certified Sustainably Farmed. 101 six-pack cases made.
Chardonnay,“La Rinconada” Vineyard 2016, Sta Rita Hills, Santa Ynez Valley 13.7%alcohol 6-pack
94 Points, Galloni: “A fabulous wine. Fresh, bright and wonderfully nuanced, has so much to offer. Aging in 500 L barrels keeps the wine fresh and tightly wound, in the very best sense. A totally striking wine. What a gorgeous wine it is!” Bright and lively Meyer lemon, bees wax, flowers, peach, chamomile, lime zest, salinity, minerality, long vibrant finish. Aged in 30% new 500L French oak barrels and only 25% ML. Rinconada is between two famed vineyards, Sanford & Benedict and La Encantada, above the Santa Ynez River. Sustainably Farmed. 75 cases.
White Pinot Noir,“Blanc de Noir”,Sanford and Benedict Vineyard, 2020 Sta. Rita Hills ALLOCATED 13.0%alcohol
Winemaker Notes on 2019 vintage: “This unusual White Pinot Noir “Blanc de Noir” is 100% Pinot Noir from the famed “Grand Cru” level Sanford and Benedict Vineyard. The free run juice was separated off the sorting table and native-fermented separately in stainless barrels. Usually bottled as a Rosé, but due to ideal circumstances the fruit arrived at the winery unusually cold due to very cool nights during the pick – no color was absorbed during that short time in the picking bins. Resulting in a beautifully complex white wine from Pinot Noir.” 22 cases.
* SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL PRICING on 4 Combined Cases of Côtière wines
Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County 2019 New Vintage!
Winery Notes: “Nose of earthy woodsmoke, cola, tobacco leaf and ripe red and black cherries, dark berries and floral hints. Layers of fruit and classic Pinot spice and mineral, soft tannins and juicy acidity, finishing long and nuanced. Primarily from the Sta Rita Hills Vineyard, with Sanford & Benedict, La Rinconada and Hilliard Bruce, nearly all from the Sta. Rita Hills.” 100% destemmed, 10% new French oak. Unfined, unfiltered. 350 cases.
Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills 2018 Sustainably Farmed 13.7% alcohol 93 Points, Jeb Dunnuck: “Terrific nose of spiced raspberries, strawberries, dried flowers, and incense; a balanced, elegant texture, integrated tannins, and a great finish. Elegant, seamless, going to evolve gracefully”. 70% Free Run juice, from Sanford & Benedict, La Encantada and Hilliard Bruce vineyards. 100% destemmed, 30% new French 500L oak, unfined, unfiltered. 150 cases. 2019 will be 100% free run, 15% oak,
Pinot Noir, Presqu’ile Vineyard 2017, Santa Maria Valley NewVintage 13.8% alcohol 95 Points, Galloni: “Simply Stellar. Not only a gorgeous wine, but it also shows what this vineyard is capable of in terms of texture, body and overall class. Succulent red check and plum fruit is pushed forward, with hints of spice, leather and dried flowers that develop in the glass.” Aged in once- used oversized 500L French oak barrels, no new oak, bottled unfined and unfiltered. Sustainably Farmed. 120 six-packs made.
Pinot Noir, La Encantada Vineyard 2016, Santa Rita Hills New Vintage 13.9% alcohol. 92 Points, Jeb Dunnuck: “Another terrific wine under this label. Lots of spiced red fruits, crushed rock-like minerality, scorched earth, and spice notes.
It’s a terrific, impeccably made Pinot Noir.” From vines planted by Santa Rita Hills founder Richard Sanford on the cool west end of the appellation,
7 miles from the Pacific. CCOF Organic Farming. 40% whole cluster, 35% new French 500L oak. 140 six-packs made.
Pinot Noir, La Rinconada Vineyard 2018, Santa Rita Hills New Wine! 13.5% alcohol. 96 Points, Jeb Dunnuck: “This spicy, marine-influenced effort has saltiness, a core of raspberry and strawberry fruit, loads of violet and floral notes, richness, and a flawlessly balanced, elegant texture. It’s a gorgeous wine.” Adjacent to the Sanford & Benedict Vineyard, this is the first Côtière Pinot Noir vintage. 100% Mt. Eden clone, destemmed fruit, aged 17 months in 30% new French oak. Unfined, unfiltered. 60 cases.
Pinot Noir, Hilliard Bruce Vineyard 2016, Santa Rita Hills 13.5% alcohol 94 Points, Jeb Dunnuck: “Perfumed, exotic bouquet of passion fruits, framboise, violets, and flowers. With almost Côte Rôtie-like gamy, floral quality,
ultra-fine tannin, and a beautiful finish, it’s a terrific Pinot Noir.”
93 Points, Galloni: “Another stand-out effort from Côtière.” Planted on chilly sand dunes on the coldest north edge of Santa Rita Hills gives a tart , bright, red-fruit style. Once-used oak (no new oak),unfined and unfiltered. 50cases
Merlot, McKenzie Mueller Vineyard, Los Carneros 2017. New Wine! 6-pack 93 Points, Jeb Dunnuck: “A great nose of black cherries, red plums, toasted spice, tobacco, and chocolate. Elegant, nicely textured, and balanced, it’s another terrific wine from this estate. A very serious wine.” Winemaker Notes: “This is one of the best wines I have ever made. It really captures Pomerol, from “suitcase” clones.” 30+ year old vines, cool climate. Aged 20 months in 100% new oak. Unfined, Unfiltered. 25 cases.
Dérive [say De-reeve] Red Bordeaux Style Blend 2017 New Vintage! 93 Points, Vinous, Jeb Dunnuck: “Exotic and flamboyant to the core, Dérive reflects the warmth of the year. Macerated cherry, licorice, spice and chocolate give this sensual red pure appeal.” “Derive”is French for a spontaneous journey led by the terrain and landscape. 34% McKenzie-Mueller Merlot, 16% Lewelling Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon both from Napa Valley, with 40% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Petit Verdot from the Curtis Vineyard in Santa Ynez Valley. Warm fall days and cool nights resulted in a later harvest with significant hang time. 50% new oak, unfined, unfiltered. 140 cases.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Lewelling Ranch, Saint Helena, Napa Valley 2014 6-pack 93 Points, Galloni: “Superb. Strikingly beautiful. Compelling, delicious. Don’t miss it.” 93+ Points, Wine Advocate: “Crushed blackcurrants, black plums, mulberries, cigar box, menthol, iron ore and bay leaves. Mouth-filling black fruit flavors with ripe, grainy tannins and cedar, lingering spice box.” Planted by the family in 1864 in western Saint Helena. Côtière picks 2 weeks before other producers. 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petite Verdot. 66% new French oak. Unfined, unfiltered. 75 cases. Magnums by special order!
Merlot, (Côtière’s Westgate Label) Napa Valley 2019 Fall Release New Vintage
Winemaker Notes: “Quite soft yet rich, dark in color, with very soft but deep tannins. Mostly black fruit flavors from plums and blueberries, to lighter black cherry. Intriguing herbal and floral notes of violets, lilac, clove, cassis and dried herbs.. 20% new oak brings in a mocha accent as well, and a sweet note to the very long finish.” From the Suitcase clones in the McKenzie-Mueller Vineyard in Napa Carneros. Unfined, unfiltered. 105 cases.
Cabernet Franc, (Côtière’s Westgate Label), Curtis Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley 2019 Fall Release New Vintage
Winemaker Notes: “Classic Cabernet Franc aromatics, with hints of underbrush and pencil shavings. A core of dark spiced plum, dark berries, baker’s chocolate, toasted oak and leather are supported by good acidity and ripe tannins, exceptional length and a savory finish.” From the low-yielding, Sustainably-Farmed Curtis Vineyard in the warm, interior end of Santa Ynez Valley. 30% new oak, 5% Petite Verdot, unfined, unfiltered. 140 cases.
Petite Verdot, (Côtière’s Westgate Label) Curtis Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley 2019 Fall Release New Vintage
Winemaker Notes: “Rich, quite dark in color, with very tight, deep tannins. Mostly black fruit flavors, with intriguing herbal and floral notes of violets, lilac, sage, dried olive leaf and dried herbs adding complexity. 20% new oak brings a hazelnut and mocha accent, which adds a sweet note to the longfinish.” Low-yields,Sustainably-Farmed,warm Curtis Vineyard. 10%Cabernet Franc,20% new French Oak. Unfined and unfiltered.134cases.
