I first became familiar with Alma Rosa Winery more than eleven years ago. I was at a wine conference when Richard Sanford, the founder and one of the early pioneers of the region, addressed us at a Wine Bloggers Conference in 2014. Recently, I had a chance to try their wine for the first time since that conference over 10 years ago.
Alma Rosa Winery was founded by Richard and his wife, Thekla, who first saw Pinot Noir’s potential in Santa Barbara County in the 1970s. Their El Jabali vineyard was the first certified organic vineyard in Santa Barbara County. Fast forward to today, and Alma Rosa’s estate vineyards, including the 38-acre El Jabali and the 100-acre La Encantada, are still the soul of the operation, producing vibrant, layered Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and a smattering of cool-climate Syrah and Grenache.
In 2015, Bob and Barb Zorich took responsibility, but Richard and Thekla stayed involved. Samra Morris was hired as assistant winemaker in 2019 after working with Winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown and getting cellar experience at Michael Mondavi Family Estate. Her scientific background and site-specific approach made her the natural choice in 2020 when the winemaking position opened.
I had the chance to retry two wines from Alma Rosa made by Samra.
- 2022 Alma Rosa Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills –notes of lemon peel, melon, flowers and orange with lots of minerality.
- 2022 Alma Rosa Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills – black cherry, cola, nutmeg, Asian spice and earthiness.
These are both wines that reflect their sense of place.
With Samra Morris guiding the cellar, Alma Rosa’s 2022 releases capture a renewed sense of place and purpose.
