Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/148134
Kelly Sorenson, Executive Director of The Ventana Wildlife Society. "We need to encourage the birds to stay on the [Monterey] coast until we solve these problems." the grapes from specific sites, has led to a distinguishable quality in the 10SPAN Vineyards wines. "I am Santa Barbara–centric," admits Clark, whose passion and understanding of the Santa Maria Valley led him to create the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from its coveted Burgundian varieties–suited cool-climate terroir. For the 10SPAN Pinot Gris, he went with an Oregon-style profile that is both flinty and fruity, delivering a clean sensation on the palate. The grapes are sourced from the Black Jack Vineyard in Monterey County. Creating a Perfect "10" Achieving the Mission . . . and Making Great Wine! The creation of 10SPAN Vineyards, named for the actual length of the California condor's wings, achieved that mission: offering a prospect of success to support the future of this valued species through shared profits from the sale of the recently launched wine brand. Born out of the heart and soul of the Central Coast soils, the fruit for 10SPAN hails from Monterey and Santa Barbara Counties, led by veteran area winemaker John Clark. Sourcing grapes up and down the California coast and hand-selecting vineyard blocks is a knack he has acquired over the past 30 years, consulting for several Central Coast producers and, in 1996, creating his own award-winning wine brand— Brophy Clark—with his wife, viticulturalist Kelly Brophy Clark. Chemist and innovator, Clark's innate ability to experiment and choose "Our goal with 10SPAN Vineyards was to create a space within our portfolio to achieve super-premium status," states Craig Calders, National Sales Manager for Acme Wine Movers, a division of The Wine Group. "This is an on-premise– only brand," he adds. "The wine is built the old-fashioned way, hand-crafted and no UPC code on the label. It will be limited in production: We are only making small quantities. The wines are also available on tap, through Free Flow Wines, with turn-key on tap and keg programs for restaurants. All three 10SPAN varietals are available in keg with a Paso Robles Cabernet coming (750 ml. and keg) in early 2014. august 2013 / the tasting panel / 101 TP0813_066-103.indd 101 7/24/13 9:52 PM