Dec 30, 2022
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Rusack Vineyards
| Owner(s) | Alison Rusack, Geoff Rusack |
| Web site | www.rusack.com |
| Link to this site |
This beautiful winery in the hills above Solvang on 48 acres in recent years featured a husband and wife winemaking team, John and Helen Falcone. The wines improved dramatically since they took over the reigns in 2001. In early 2013, Steven Gerbac took over as winemaker. He had been with Ballard Canyon Winery for ten years working his way up to assistant winemaker and also had worked at both Whitcraft Winery and Brander Vineyards. Gerbac will also oversee winemaking for the Santa Catalina Island Vineyards project, a collection of wines under the Rusack brand umbrella that are grown on Santa Catalina Island.
The tasting room and adjoining picnic area is located at 1819 Ballard Canyon Road (see website for directions) and is open daily from 11-4. There are three Pinot Noirs from purchased fruit in the Santa Rita Hills and Santa Maria Valley: Santa Barbara County, Santa Rita Hills, and Reserve. The Reserve is particularly notable. The winery produces multiple other varietals including Rhone-inspired wines, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, a Bordeaux-style blend and Chardonnay.
Rusack wines are sold through the website and are sensibly priced. 805-688-1278. Production is about 7,500 cases annually.
Articles About Rusack Vineyards
Reviewed Wines
2015 Rusack Santa Catalina Island Vineyards California Chardonnay
13.8% alc., pH 3.32, TA 0.70, 136
cases, $60. Released November 2017. Barrel fermented
100% malolactic fermentation, lees stirring for 4 months.
Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 56% new.
·
Light
golden yellow color in the glass. Enticing aromas and
flavors of green apple, lemon-lime, grapefruit and spice. An
acid-driven style with impeccable oak integration and an acid-fueled,
quenching finish. This is a vibrant and flavorful wine that will thoroughly
please Chardonnay aficionados.
Score: 95.
Reviewed October 12, 2018
ARTICLE »
2015 Rusack Santa Catalina Island Vineyards California Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.40, TA 0.758, 136
cases, $72. Released November 2017. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 9% new. Bottled unfiltered.
·
Light ruby red color in the glass. Attractive aromas of dark cherry, woodland spice and cola. Charming mid
weight cherry goodness in a feminine, lacy style. Juicy, with suave tannins and just a hint of sandalwood.
Admirable harmony, with a very long and expansive finish.
Score: 93.
Reviewed October 12, 2018
ARTICLE »
2005 Rusack Reserve Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 445 cases, $38. This wine is composed
of the best barrels from Fiddlestix Vineyard (50%) and Rancho Santa Rosa
Vineyard (50%). 35% new French oak in the élevage.
·
This wine was one of my favorites
that I tasted at the event. Deep red fruits with cinnamon and earth drive the
flavors and a nice sweet cherry finish leaves a lasting impression. The texture is silky
and comforting. A little heat peaks out on the nose but it is not obtrusive.
Reviewed July 23, 2007
ARTICLE »
2015 Rusack Santa Catalina Island Vineyards California Chardonnay
13.8% alc., pH 3.32, TA 0.70, 136 cases, $60. Released November 2017. Barrel fermented 100% malolactic fermentation, lees stirring for 4 months. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 56% new. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Enticing aromas and flavors of green apple, lemon-lime, grapefruit and spice. An acid-driven style with impeccable oak integration and an acid-fueled, quenching finish. This is a vibrant and flavorful wine that will thoroughly please Chardonnay aficionados. Score: 95. Reviewed October 12, 2018 ARTICLE »
2015 Rusack Santa Catalina Island Vineyards California Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., pH 3.40, TA 0.758, 136 cases, $72. Released November 2017. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 9% new. Bottled unfiltered. · Light ruby red color in the glass. Attractive aromas of dark cherry, woodland spice and cola. Charming mid weight cherry goodness in a feminine, lacy style. Juicy, with suave tannins and just a hint of sandalwood. Admirable harmony, with a very long and expansive finish. Score: 93. Reviewed October 12, 2018 ARTICLE »
2005 Rusack Reserve Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 445 cases, $38. This wine is composed of the best barrels from Fiddlestix Vineyard (50%) and Rancho Santa Rosa Vineyard (50%). 35% new French oak in the élevage. · This wine was one of my favorites that I tasted at the event. Deep red fruits with cinnamon and earth drive the flavors and a nice sweet cherry finish leaves a lasting impression. The texture is silky and comforting. A little heat peaks out on the nose but it is not obtrusive. Reviewed July 23, 2007 ARTICLE »