Rangeland News February 2025

Contents: Arrow Passes, Ranch Conserved, Wine Special: Petite Sirah

It has been a few months since our last newsletter and even longer since we shared any family news. After an entirely dry January, the Pacific storm door opened and delivered 10 inches of rain in the last two weeks, including 5 inches on February 13. Each year in the golden heat of summer, it is hard to believe it will ever rain agan. Then, storm soaked with the creeks running, it is hard to imagine the dusty extremes of summer and the sear, dry weather of fall. 

Arrow!

Our good dog Arrow left us recently, passing on at 14 years of age--about 80 dog years. That beautiful pup had many hard ranch miles on him. He soared into and out of my pickup a thousand times. He'd go racing over the hills after squirrels and even, occasionally, sheep and cattle. Many of you remember his eager attentions while visiting our ranch or the tasting room. He especially entertained children, but he brought out the kid in all of us. With just a slobbery ball or stick to work his magic, he was always crouched, focused over his parallel paws and ready to go. My wife Lisa said simply, "He made a lot of people happy." Running into customers over the years, the single most common question I heard was, "How is Arrow?" Well, he is doing fine, taking the long rest under a shady oak tree. 

Adelaida Springs Ranch Conservation Easement

I am gratified to announce that we have secured a conservation easement on our ranch, in partnership with the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo. That means our 890 acres will be held together, in perpetuity, as agricultural and mostly wild open space. We continue to live here, own and operate the ranch, as before, running cattle and farming wine grapes.  As many of you know, Lisa and I have been tree huggers since our childhood days hiking the coastal mountain parks of California. Atter a life of small scale business toil and achievement, it is very gratifying to participate in the permanent conservation of such a bountiful and charming piece of the world. 

A New Release of My Old Friend "Pete" Sirah

One of the quiet heroes of the Paso wine scene is Petite Sirah. This typically dark, dense wine has emboldened many a Cabernet or Syrah as a blending component. On its own, it delivers dark power but also, in the best coastal mountain sites, surprising finesse. Our 2021 estate Petite Sirah may be our finest yet. It offers aromas of cedar and cranberries that evolve into a dense palate of black cherry, cardamom, and mocha. Vivid acidity balances the wine and suits it for the dinner table. 

We are offering this wine at a special price of $399 for a 12 bottle case, just $33.25 per bottle before your considerable club discount, shipping included. Or order 6 bottles for $240, $40 per bottle, before club discounts. Order here.