Long before the Santa Maria Valley benchland was recognized as a great winegrowing region, the native Chumash Indians knew it as "tepuztli," meaning copper coin. Later, Spanish settlers translated the word as Tepusquet. Proprietor Barbara Banke acquired a large portion of the original Tepusquet Vineyard (planted between 1970 and 1971) in 1986 to serve as the site for Cambria winery. Over the last two decades the vineyard has been expanded, replanted and updated with new clones and rootstocks to take advantage of the unique climatic and geological conditions of the Santa Maria Bench.
11c
California » Santa Maria Valley
“Ripe pineapple and citrus aromas dominate the nose of this wine, with pineapple, yellow peach, tangerine, orange blossom and creamsicle flavors. Bright acidity is balanced
California » Santa Maria Valley
A blend of Estate Pinot Noir Clones, including 115 and 2A, were farmed off of two Julia's Vineyard rows designed for Rose. Aromas of fresh
“The 2013 Katherine’s Vineyard Chardonnay features lively fruit and oak spice aromas supported by citrus, white peach and apple fl avors on the palate. Nicely weighted
Wine Spectator 88 "Shows off distinct pepper, nutmeg and blackberry flavors that are full-blown, with hints of espresso and blueberry on the finish. This has firm,
"Dark cherry, strawberry and pomegranate. An underlying earthiness balances the fruit characters. Since 2009, all the grapes from our Estate Vineyard have been certi ed as
Wine Spectator 86 Aims for complexity, with toasty oak wrapped around a core of delicate plum and black cherry. Finish shows oak having a slight upper
Wine Enthusiast 92 "Another lovely Julias Pinot from Cambria, at a fair price. With its light tannins and transparency, its definitely Pinot Noir, and the acidity
Wine Enthusiast 91 Editor's Choice "They packed a lot of flavor into this rich Chardonnay for the price. Its toasty buttery and popcorny & with ripe fruit
Robert Parker 94 "The 2005 Shiraz Cambrian reveals more chocolate and scorched earth characteristics than the 2004 as well as fuller body, more abundant fruit, and
Wine Enthusiast 92 "Delivers lots of bang for the buck. Built like a fine French Burgundy, its rich and intricate in smoky-oak infused tropical fruit, fig
Wine Enthusiast 91 Editor's Choice "So elegant and sophisticated, this is a great value in California Chardonnay. Although it’s dry, it’s rich and delicious in pineapples,
"Dark cherry, strawberry and pomegranate. An underlying earthiness balances the fruit characters. Supple, juicy entry and palate texture held in check by a rm structural
Wine Advocate 90 " A beautiful Chardonnay, the 2011 Chardonnay Katherine’s Vineyard is pure and detailed on the nose with crisp white peach, white flowers, crushed
Wine Enthusiast 91 Cellar Selection " At first, there’s a slight green herb funkiness of sharp dill on the nose of this single-vineyard offering from the Jackson
Wine Enthusiast 91 “This single-vineyard selection from the Jackson Family’s Santa Maria Valley winery kicks off with scents ranging from red, blistered tomato to pomegranate reduction
"Julia's Vineyard Pinot Noir is deep, dark purple with underlying earthy character that compliments its solid tannin structure. Red fruit and dark berry aromas and
The Tasting Panel 90 "Smooth, ripe and toasty with juicy pear fruit and good acid structure; fresh and balanced, long and stylish." Wine Enthusiast 87 " A flinty
“The 2013 Benchbreak Pinot Noir is deep, dark purple in color with abundant red fruit and dark berry aromas and flavors. The ever present underlying
Wine Advocate 90 "Pale to medium ruby colored with a hint of purple, the 2014 Pinot Noir Bench Break has intense red currant and red cherry
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