Nielson Wines pays homage to its namesake, Uriel J. Nielson, who in 1964 planted the first commercial vineyard in Santa Barbara County, a region previously considered too cold to grow grapes. Known as a viticulture pioneer, Uriel didn't heed warnings from neighbouring farmers and didn't flinch in his stance that Santa Barbara County could be one among the top winegrowing regions in the world. The Nielson Vineyard, nestled 18 miles west of the Pacific Ocean, is one of the first vineyard sites in the valley to witness the fog burn off each morning. This early morning sun appearance results in muscular Pinot Noirs with dark fruit & floral notes as well as balanced Chardonnays with renowned mineral, citrus, and orange blossom notes.

A very cool winter and spring led to a harvest with small clusters and small berries with flavours of dark berry, cherry and floral hints.

The wine spends 10 months in French Oak, 3% of which was new.

Lamb or duck breast cooked pink, roasted duck with a cherry or redcurrant sauce.