"Hail to the King of Sauvignon Blanc in Santa Barbara...Fred Brander"

The Brander name is a staple in Santa Barbara wine country.  Fred Brander first planted primarily Bordeaux vines in Los Olivos in 1975.  His first Sauvignon Blanc harvest in 1977 won Santa Barbara County's first gold medal at a major wine competition.  Two years later, Fred began construction of his winery. 

The Brander tasting room

The brander collection still deals with primarily Bordeaux varietals, but a little Syrah, Pinot Gris and Riesling have all found their way to Fred's lineup.  These wines do not disappoint and I particularly loved the Cabernet Franc and Colson Canyon Syrah from his 2012 vintage.

Beautiful garnet color, Chinese 5 spice, violets, lilacs and dried currants...ahh Cab Franc

The next time you are passing through the Santa Barbara area, do yourself a favor and sample through these delicious wines and you are sure to find something to suit your taste buds.  If you find yourself tasting other Santa Barbara Sauvignon Blancs, there is a good chance it came from one of Fred's clippings.  Cheers to the King!

http://www.brander.com/