Antonio Galloni of Vinous Media once wrote "The Santa Cruz Mountains - these rugged hillsides just south of San Francisco are home to some of the world’s greatest vineyards and wines." His passion for the region is shared by most who have had the chance to explore the wines from this diverse and complex terroir. The region's dramatic geology, ocean influenced climate, and significant variations in aspect and altitude make this one of the most exciting and yet challenging places in the country to grow grapes. Portola Vineyards is a tiny micro winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains established in 2005. They have a small estate vineyard but also source fruit from other small family vineyard across the region. The wines are artfully crafted with minimal intervention, native yeasts, small lot ferments, long ageing in French oak. We recently had the opportunity to purchase the last few cases of some past vintages at a significant discount. I had tasted the wines previously and enjoyed them so was excited to check in on them again. I was really impressed with the 2018 and 2019 wines and loved how they faithfully expressed the differences between the vintages. The 2018 is sourced from two vineyards in the Corralitos sub-region of the Santa Cruz Mountains. This area is heavily influenced by the nearby Monterey Bay. The growing season is very moderate, with temperatures rarely breaking 80F. The soils here are very sandy with ancient seafloor and fractured marine shale. 2018 was a top-notch vintage, cool but stable growing conditions continued long into October allowing complex and concentrated flavors to developing in the fruit. This wine is a really classic expression of the region - a wonderful mixture and savory elements and wild berry fruits. Brambly, deep red fruits, dried herbs, damp forest floor, earthy tones, hints of leather. Just like foraging wild berries in a fog-soaked Redwood grove. A transportive wine. Burgundy lovers will rejoice in this wines' elegance and restraint. Unbelievably good for the price point!