Domaine de la Cote | Racines

This one will surprise a few long-time subscribers—I’ve offered Domestic wines fewer than ten times in over twenty years. But when I do, it’s because they’re truly exceptional. Today’s offer features two benchmark producers that embody the very best of the Sta. Rita Hills, California.

This small, pristine collection comes from the cellar of a longtime client and friend here in Ojai. Every bottle was purchased directly from the winery mailing list, and cellared professionally in Los Angeles.

• Domaine de la Côte is perhaps the better known of the two. Partners Sashi Moorman and Raj Parr have been champions of organic farming and minimal intervention, helping put Sta. Rita Hills on the global wine map. Their high-density plantings (4,000–7,000 vines per acre) and focus on microclimate precision yield wines of stunning clarity and site expression.
• Racines is a Franco-American collaboration between Étienne de Montille, Brian Sieve, and Rodolphe Péters—names that command respect in Burgundy and Champagne alike. Their shared vision was to craft Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that capture the finesse of Burgundy with the soul of California. The cool climate and marine soils of Sta. Rita Hills provide the perfect stage.

Both producers’ wines are rarely seen on the open market, and this offering includes a remarkable selection of back vintages. Quantities are limited, and the provenance is impeccable.

Explore what makes Sta. Rita Hills one of the most compelling wine regions in the world.