lazy lemən Sparkling Lemon Wine
Lompoc Wine Factory
The lazy lemən Sparkling Lemon Wine, crafted by Lompoc Wine Factory, emerges as a truly playful and unexpected entry into the bubbly-wine category. Made from 100% organic lemons, this is not grape wine; it’s a citrus-forward, effervescent creation that delivers bold personality in a light, refreshing 8% ABV package.
On the nose, lazy lemən offers bright citrus blossom aromas and a lively hint of lemon zest. The palate is simultaneously sweet and tart; think freshly squeezed lemon meets soft, fizzy sparkle. Its acidity is clean and crisp, balanced by a gentle sweetness that never overpowers, making it an ideal drink both over ice or served straight, as suggested by the producer.
Because of its unconventional fruit base, this wine stands apart during a New Year’s Eve celebration. It’s a spirited alternative to traditional Champagne or prosecco, making it perfect for hosts who want to surprise guests or for anyone looking to toast the arrival of a new year with something bright, refreshing, and unexpected. Its light effervescence and citrus energy feel especially festive, matching the excitement of a midnight countdown while cutting through richer party foods or heavy hors d’oeuvres.
As a limited-allocation release, lazy lemən is not always widely available, but that exclusivity only adds to its appeal. For those lucky enough to secure a bottle, it offers a unique tasting experience that bridges wine, spritz, and lemon-liqueur sensibility.
Beyond its flavor profile, lazy lemən reflects Lompoc Wine Factory’s adventurous spirit. The winery, known for its co-op winemaking model in Santa Barbara County, supports a range of bold, creative projects that defy traditional categories.
In short: for December’s sparkle-themed issue or a New Year’s Eve roundup, lazy lemən is a standout. It’s fizzy sunshine in a glass – bright, organic, and carefree – ready to elevate any celebration with a citrusy twist.
2022 Loubud Blanc de Noirs
(Peake Ranch, Sta. Rita Hills)
The 2022 Loubud Blanc de Noirs (Peake Ranch, Sta. Rita Hills) is a masterful example of small-batch, vineyard-specific sparkling wine crafted in the traditional méthode champenoise by boutique Santa Barbara label Loubud Wines. Founded by Laura Roach, Loubud draws from her winemaking roots and a deep connection to cool climate Pinot Noir sites.
Sourced from Peake Ranch Vineyard in the eastern part of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, the wine captures distinct terroir: clay loam soils, marine influence from the nearby Pacific, and meticulous whole-cluster pressing. glassofbubbly.com The fruit used is predominantly Pinot Noir clone 115, prized for its elegant structure and refined phenolics.
After primary fermentation, the wine undergoes bottle fermentation and extended aging on the lees for more than 21 months, resulting in fine mousse, autolytic richness, and complex aromatics. It is lightly dosed (5 g/L), giving just enough softness while retaining lifted acidity and brightness.
On the nose, the wine opens with delicate brioche, a hint of red-fruit blossom, and subtle yeasty nuttiness. The palate is elegant and playful: gently creamy texture, zesty red berries, and a touch of toasted almond, carried by persistent, refined bubbles. According to Loubud’s own tasting notes, it offers a harmony of finesse and vibrancy.
This Blanc de Noirs has not gone unnoticed: critics have praised its balance and expression, including 91 points from Vinous and a Gold from Cristaldi & Co., and a 92-point Sunset Wine Competition award. Loubud’s broader sparkling program is also well-regarded, with multiple wines featured in the Wine Enthusiast accolades list.
For New Year’s Eve, the 2022 Loubud Blanc de Noirs is pure poetry in a glass. Its crisp, red-fruit sparkle feels celebratory yet subtle – perfect for a midnight toast or as a refreshing counterpoint to rich, festive hors d’oeuvres. The wine’s elegance and terroir-driven personality make it ideal for hosts who want to offer something less conventional than Champagne, while still delivering the celebratory pomposity of a classic sparkling.
In the tight-knit Santa Barbara wine community, Loubud is operating with heart: Laura sources small quantities of fruit from growers she trusts, and she handles every step of production by hand, including riddling, disgorgement, and cage. This handcrafted approach, combined with vineyard fidelity, gives the Blanc de Noirs an authenticity and depth that makes it feel like a gift – whether to oneself or to one’s guests.
In short: the 2022 Loubud Blanc de Noirs, Peake Ranch is a refined, terroir-driven sparkling that brings coastal California to the New Year’s table. It’s elegant, expressive, and crafted with care; a perfect way to toast the turning of the calendar in style.
2021 Barbareño
Refugio Ranch
The 2021 Refugio Ranch Barbareño is a deeply expressive, full-bodied red from the rugged, hand-farmed vineyards of Santa Ynez Valley. Planted on the north slopes of the Santa Ynez Mountains, Refugio Ranch is a boutique estate where only a small fraction of acreage is devoted to grapes, allowing meticulous attention to each vine and yielding wines of remarkable intensity and character. The 2021 Barbareño captures the essence of this terroir, showcasing both power and elegance in a wine designed to leave a lasting impression.
This vintage is predominantly Syrah, with Petite Sirah and a touch of Grenache, blended to achieve a wine with vertical structure, deep tannins, and layered complexity. From the first swirl in the glass, the Barbareño presents a rich bouquet of blackberry, cassis, and black cherry intertwined with hints of dark chocolate and violet petals. As it opens, the wine reveals a layered palate of plum, framboise, and earthy notes reminiscent of damp black clay and garrigue. Subtle undertones of cigar and forest floor add sophistication, while firm, dense tannins provide a framework that supports its vibrant fruit and earthy depth. The wine’s structure makes it ideal for savoring slowly, allowing its nuances to develop with each sip.
The Barbareño’s personality is as much a reflection of the estate’s winemaking philosophy as its fruit. Hand-farmed vineyards and low-yield practices ensure that every bottle expresses the unique combination of climate, soil, and elevation found at Refugio Ranch. The winemaker carefully guides fermentation and maturation to highlight both the wine’s intensity and its balance, creating a red that is as expressive as it is precise. The result is a wine that feels grounded in its place while offering layers of flavor that reward attention and patience.
Perfect for December and the holiday season, the 2021 Barbareño evokes the warmth and comfort of a mulled wine experience while elevating it to a sophisticated, cellar-worthy level. Its dense, brooding fruit and structured tannins mirror the cozy, celebratory spirit of winter evenings by the fire. Whether poured for a quiet night in, shared with friends and family over a festive meal, or offered as a thoughtful gift, this wine invites a slow, immersive tasting experience that highlights both its power and grace.
This Barbareño pairs beautifully with hearty winter fare such as braised short ribs, roasted lamb, or rich stews, while also standing proudly on its own as a contemplative, meditative pour. With its deep colors, aromatic complexity, and layered textures, the 2021 Refugio Ranch Barbareño is a red that embodies the richness of the season. It is a wine that offers both the comfort and the elegance of the holidays, making it an unforgettable choice for those seeking a cozy, soulful pour this winter.
2022 GSM
Lyons Vineyard
The 2022 Lyons Vineyard GSM is a soulful Rhône-style blend from the Los Olivos District AVA, crafted with Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. Sourced from a small, carefully tended estate, this wine reflects the unique combination of sandy-loam soils, cool evening breezes, and strong diurnal swings that preserve bright acidity and nuanced flavors, even as the fruit reaches full ripeness.
Grenache brings vibrant red-fruit energy, Syrah contributes dark fruit depth and savory spice, and Mourvèdre adds tannic backbone and earthy complexity. The wine is made in small lots with minimal intervention, with only select lots seeing whole-cluster fermentation to enhance texture and structure. Aging in neutral French oak allows the grapes’ natural character to shine, creating a wine that balances richness with freshness.
On the nose, the 2022 GSM offers layered aromas of raspberry and plum complemented by hints of black pepper, dried herbs, and a subtle whisper of garrigue. The palate is rich yet elegant, with juicy red fruit from Grenache, black-fruit weight from Syrah, and the earthy, structured tannins of Mourvèdre. Fine tannins give grip, and the wine finishes bright and lively, inviting the next sip.
Perfect for December and the holiday season, this GSM embodies the warmth and conviviality of Los Olivos gatherings. Its balanced structure and red-fruit richness evoke cozy winter evenings, whether around a festive table, a crackling fire, or a holiday celebration with friends and family. The wine’s layered complexity and approachable style make it a versatile pour for both casual and formal occasions.
The 2022 Lyons GSM pairs beautifully with winter fare, including roasted or grilled meats, hearty stews, and braised dishes with Mediterranean herbs or root vegetables. Its spiced, layered profile also makes it a sophisticated alternative to mulled wine for holiday sipping. Whether served with a meal or enjoyed on its own, it offers a sense of comfort, joy, and elegance that complements the season.
This GSM captures the essence of Los Olivos through its careful vineyard management, thoughtful winemaking, and harmonious varietal blend. For a December feature or cozy holiday spotlight, the 2022 Lyons Vineyard GSM is a festive, approachable, and memorable choice that brings people together while celebrating the richness of the season.
2021 Tinaquaic Vineyard Syrah
Foxen Vineyard
The 2021 Tinaquaic Vineyard Syrah from Foxen Vineyard is a richly layered, small-lot expression of Santa Barbara County’s famed Tinaquaic terroir. Crafted from Syrah clone 470 and aged for 20 months in French oak, this wine captures both power and finesse, delivering an elegant, complex profile that rewards patient sipping and thoughtful pairing.
On the nose, the 2021 Syrah greets the drinker with a layered bouquet of ripe blackberry, blueberry, and cassis, intertwined with hints of clove, cinnamon, and subtle forest herbs. As the wine opens, it reveals a palate brimming with dark-fruit concentration, complemented by spicy, earthy undertones and a whisper of dried tobacco. Its refined tannins provide structure and balance, allowing the wine’s fruit, spice, and herbal notes to unfold gracefully through each sip. The finish is long and lingering, leaving a subtle impression of warm holiday spices, making it a fitting companion for winter evenings.
The wine’s provenance plays a key role in its character. Tinaquaic Vineyard’s sandy-clay soils, combined with cooling coastal breezes, create ideal conditions for Syrah to develop both aromatic intensity and balanced acidity. Hand-harvested fruit, careful sorting, and gentle winemaking techniques preserve the varietal’s vibrant purity while allowing the subtle influence of French oak to enhance texture and depth. The result is a Syrah that is approachable in its youth yet built for extended enjoyment through 2032.
Perfect for the holiday season, the 2021 Tinaquaic Syrah evokes warmth and festivity. Its layered spice and dark-fruit richness recall the comforting essence of winter gatherings, roasted meats, and mulled-wine-inspired flavors, making it an ideal wine for both celebratory dinners and quiet evenings by the fire. The wine’s structure and balance make it versatile: it pairs beautifully with hearty fare such as braised short ribs, roast duck, or winter vegetable stews, while also offering a contemplative, elegant sip on its own.
With its combination of vineyard precision, thoughtful winemaking, and seasonally evocative flavors, the 2021 Tinaquaic Syrah exemplifies both the terroir of Santa Barbara County and the festive spirit of the holidays. It is a wine that invites slow, immersive enjoyment, embodying the warmth, spice, and layered complexity that make December evenings memorable.
GRIT 2022 Petit Verdot
Saarloos & Sons
The GRIT 2022 Petit Verdot from Saarloos & Sons is a bold, small-lot expression of Ballard Canyon’s unique terroir. Crafted entirely by hand by this family-owned estate, GRIT exemplifies dedication, precision, and the power of artisanal winemaking. This 100% Petit Verdot offers a layered, complex profile that is both intense and elegant, built to evolve beautifully with age.
On the nose, the 2022 GRIT reveals an alluring combination of black cherry, blackberry, and cassis interwoven with subtle notes of leather, cedar, and dark chocolate. The palate is dense and structured, carrying the richness of ripe dark fruits alongside earthy undertones and hints of spice. Fine, polished tannins provide a refined backbone, guiding the wine through a long, resonant finish that feels both powerful and graceful. Its depth and structure make it ideal for savoring slowly or for special holiday occasions where a wine with presence and personality is desired.
The vineyard and estate philosophy play a key role in shaping this wine. Ballard Canyon’s warm days and cool nights allow Petit Verdot to ripen fully while retaining vibrant acidity and concentrated flavors. The Saarloos family’s hands-on approach ensures meticulous attention to vineyard management, picking, and small-batch vinification. This dedication results in a wine that reflects both the character of its site and the legacy of its makers.
Perfect for December gatherings, the 2022 GRIT Petit Verdot evokes the warmth, richness, and gravitas of the holiday season. Its layered black-fruit profile and subtle savory notes complement hearty winter fare such as roasted lamb, braised short ribs, or aged cheeses. At the same time, it stands alone as a contemplative, refined pour for quiet evenings by the fire. With its intensity and elegance, GRIT makes a statement at the table, offering both a celebration of craft and a nod to the enduring strength of family winemaking.
The 2022 GRIT Petit Verdot embodies balance, power, and finesse. It is a wine that invites both immediate enjoyment and long-term aging, providing a memorable holiday experience for wine lovers seeking depth, complexity, and character. With its combination of dark fruit, cedar, leather, and polished structure, GRIT is a compelling choice for December celebrations and beyond, offering a rich and soulful expression of Ballard Canyon in every glass.
2022 Parade Rest GSM
Slouch Hat Wines
The 2022 Parade Rest GSM from Slouch Hat Wines is a vibrant, small-lot expression of Santa Ynez Valley’s diverse terroir. This Rhône-style blend combines Syrah and Grenache from Ballard Canyon with Mourvèdre from Los Olivos, highlighting the unique character of each vineyard site. Each varietal is fermented and aged for ten months in neutral barrels, allowing the wine to express the region’s natural elegance, freshness, and complexity.
On the nose, the 2022 Parade Rest GSM opens with a layered bouquet of red and dark berries, including raspberry, plum, and black cherry, complemented by subtle herbal and spice notes. Hints of pepper, dried herbs, and soft earth add depth, while the palate delivers a harmonious balance of fruit, structure, and nuance. The Grenache brings bright, juicy energy, the Syrah contributes savory weight and spice, and the Mourvèdre adds tannic backbone and a touch of earthy complexity. Fine, integrated tannins support the layered fruit and spice, leading to a smooth, lively finish that invites continued exploration.
The wine reflects both careful vineyard management and thoughtful winemaking. Grapes are hand-harvested and sorted to ensure only the finest fruit goes into the blend. Aging in neutral barrels preserves varietal purity and the region’s sense of place, allowing each sip to capture the essence of Santa Ynez Valley, from the sun-soaked Ballard Canyon slopes to the cooler Los Olivos sites. The result is a wine that is approachable in its youth yet structured enough to reward careful cellaring.
Perfect for December and holiday entertaining, the 2022 Parade Rest GSM brings festive energy to the table. Its layered red and dark fruit notes, accented by gentle spice and herbal undertones, evoke the warmth and conviviality of seasonal gatherings. The wine pairs beautifully with roasted or grilled meats, braised winter dishes, and hearty vegetable fare, while also standing on its own as a contemplative, celebratory pour. Its structure and vibrancy make it ideal for intimate dinners, larger holiday gatherings, or as a thoughtful gift for wine enthusiasts.
The 2022 Parade Rest GSM is a compelling showcase of Santa Ynez Valley’s Rhône varietals, capturing both regional character and winemaking finesse. It embodies elegance, balance, and approachability, making it a memorable choice for December features and cozy holiday celebrations. With its layered fruit, nuanced spice, and harmonious finish, this wine invites slow, immersive enjoyment and exemplifies the spirit of the season.
2022 Articondo Proprietary Red
Grassini Family Vineyards
The 2022 Articondo Proprietary Red from Grassini Family Vineyards is an elegant, Bordeaux-style blend that embodies the richness and warmth of Santa Ynez Valley. Crafted with meticulous care, this wine reflects the Grassini family’s Italian heritage while showcasing the vibrancy and balance of the estate’s vineyards. Each lot is selected for its depth and harmony, resulting in a wine that is approachable in its youth yet built to age gracefully.
On the nose, the 2022 Articondo offers enticing aromas of ripe fig, black cherry, and subtle hints of spice, complemented by gentle earthy undertones. The palate is layered and harmonious, with smooth, integrated tannins supporting flavors of plum, dried herbs, and a touch of vanilla from careful oak aging. The wine’s structure provides both elegance and richness, balancing its fruit-forward profile with a refined, lingering finish. Its vibrant yet approachable nature makes it ideal for celebratory occasions or contemplative enjoyment by the fire during the holiday season.
The winemaking philosophy behind Articondo emphasizes both precision and respect for the vineyard. Grapes are hand-harvested and carefully sorted to preserve integrity, then blended and aged to highlight the distinctive characteristics of each varietal. The result is a wine that captures the essence of Santa Ynez’s unique terroir while honoring the Grassini family’s dedication to crafting wines that are both expressive and enduring.
Perfect for December and holiday gatherings, the 2022 Articondo Proprietary Red evokes warmth, elegance, and festive cheer. Its layered flavors of fig, cherry, and spice mirror the cozy, convivial spirit of the season, pairing beautifully with hearty winter dishes such as roasted lamb, braised beef, mushroom risotto, or aged cheeses. It is equally suited to quiet evenings by the fire, offering a contemplative, comforting pour that elevates the mood and complements the season’s indulgence.
The 2022 Articondo Proprietary Red captures the essence of Santa Ynez Valley through its balance, depth, and finesse. It is a wine that celebrates tradition, family heritage, and careful craftsmanship while offering approachable richness and complexity. For December features or holiday spotlights, it stands as a memorable, elegant choice, providing both vibrancy and structure for festive tables, seasonal meals, or thoughtful gifting.
2024 Rubia
Crosshatch Winery
The 2024 Rubia from Crosshatch Winery is a vibrant red blend that brings both elegance and festive energy to the holiday season. Composed of 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre from Kærskov Vineyard in the Los Olivos District, the wine is co-fermented on its skins, creating a lively, structured expression that highlights the depth and character of its vineyards. The result is a fresh, approachable red with a sophistication that makes it perfect for New Year’s Eve celebrations or as a distinctive alternative to traditional sparkling wine for red blend enthusiasts.
On the nose, the 2024 Rubia is fragrant and inviting, offering aromas of rhubarb, black cherry, and subtle spice. As it opens, the palate reveals layered complexity, combining juicy red fruits with a touch of pink peppercorn and earthy undertones. Its structure is vibrant and lively, with silky tannins and balanced acidity that carry the flavors through a long, expressive finish. Slightly chilled, the wine delivers a refreshing, celebratory sensation while retaining the richness and depth expected from a thoughtfully crafted red blend.
The vineyard and winemaking approach emphasize both care and character. Kærskov Vineyard’s unique soils and microclimate allow Grenache and Mourvèdre to ripen evenly while preserving bright, fresh fruit flavors. Co-fermentation on the skins enhances texture and aromatic interplay, producing a wine that feels both playful and sophisticated. The focus on minimal intervention and small-lot vinification ensures that the 2024 Rubia reflects the terroir’s signature energy and the winery’s dedication to expressive, high-quality wines.
Ideal for December gatherings and New Year’s Eve toasts, the 2024 Rubia provides a festive twist on a red blend. Its vibrant red fruit, lively spice, and refreshing structure make it an excellent companion to roasted winter dishes, charcuterie boards, and rich holiday desserts, while its celebratory personality allows it to shine as a stand-alone pour. It offers an approachable yet distinctive option for hosts and wine lovers looking to add a creative, flavorful alternative to more conventional holiday beverages.
The 2024 Rubia captures the spirit of Los Olivos and Crosshatch Winery through its bright, expressive fruit, layered complexity, and festive energy. For December features, holiday entertaining, or a memorable New Year’s Eve pour, it stands as a versatile and elegant choice, delivering both vibrancy and structure in a red blend crafted for seasonal enjoyment.
