Planted in 2014, The Joy Fantastic has humble origins as a former cow pasture. Situated on five acres at the far western edge of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, the low-yielding clay loam and diatomaceous soils (fossilized remains of Precambrian algae) provides Chardonnay, Gamay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah grapes exclusively for The Joy Fantastic label.
This steep, rugged, and rustic plot affords abundant drainage, and the proximity to the Pacific Ocean provides crisp, foggy mornings and sunny, warm afternoons. Densely planted rows mean more competition between the vines for water and nutrients, resulting in reduced vigor and vines which devote their resources to ripening grapes instead of excessive canopy growth.
Sourced from the top 1-acre block of the vineyard where the soils are very thin and rich in diatomaceous earth. Our Chardonnay is planted with the California heritage clone of Mt. Eden and French clone 76. The wine has an excellent mix of racy acidity and bright Chardonnay fruit. Aged for 11 months in neutral French oak. 13.5% alcohol, 100 cases produced.