Raj Parr Visits Ancona's

This past week, Ancona’s was honored and humbled to host Raj Parr: Legendary Sommelier, Writer, and winemaker.

Raj, along with his buddy Sashi Mooreman produces cutting edge wines from Burgundian grape varieties: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Yes. These are California Wines. However, they are the epitome of balance: preserving impressive acidity and representing the high altitude soil that they were grown in.

Both projects, Sandhi and Domaine de la Cote are located in Santa Barbara and its surrounding hills.

Sandhi serves as a negociant project, sourcing fruit from local growers, while Domaine de la Cote houses the estate vineyards, farmed by the domain itself.

We knew the wines would be good. We didn't know they would be THIS GOOD. Simply outstanding. Mouthwatering representations of variety and place. And capable of ageing many years to come.

Obligatory Vote: 

1st Place: Sandhi Sanford and Benedict Chardonnay

2nd Place: Domaine de la Cote “Bloomsfield”

3rd Place: Domaine de la Cote Santa Rita Hills

We ended with a special selection from the cellar: 2011 Domaine de la Cote Bloomsfield from Magnum. Raj explained that the magnums were produced from a particular barrel of wine that was especially expressive. Indeed, the wine was quite special.