Introducing : Oceano Wines - Coolest Climate California

Founded in 2016, Oceano Wines is a boutique winery specializing in cool-climate, single vineyard, premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The sole source of fruit comes from Spanish Springs Vineyard, a mere 1.5 miles from the coast in the newly certified San Luis Obispo (SLO) Coast AVA. Distinguishing features include seafront soils, coolest climate for grape growing in California and one of the world’s longest growing seasons. The grapes are transported by refrigerated trucks to Napa where Oceano’s winemaker and consultant Marbue Marke executes the vision of the principal, Rachel Martin, making them into pure, balanced and vibrant, lower-alcohol wines.

Rachel Martin has been in the winemaking business since 2005. After a crash course in enology and viticulture at Napa Valley College and a diploma in sensory evaluation of wine at the University of Bordeaux’s School of Enology, she began her journey as Executive VP of Winery Production at her family’s Virginia winery, Boxwood Estate. She grew Boxwood’s production from 400 to 5,000 cases a year, as well as opened distribution in key states and international markets. During her tenure, she solely authored Virginia’s seventh American Viticultural Area, Middleburg Virginia. In 2016, Rachel started her own winery from scratch, Oceano Wines.

Oceano has quickly established itself as a producer of distinctive award winning wines and bottles approximately 1,000 cases per year. These wines are marketed and sold domestically to fine wine retail stores and to Michelin starred and high-end restaurants.

We are thrilled to introduce these wines into Ontario, the first time they’ve been in Canada. We’ve also created a special Mixed Case Oceano, providing the opportunity to enjoy both of these wines in a six pack.

Chardonnay Spanish Springs Vineyard 2018
This comes off the Spanish Springs Vineyard, the westernmost vineyard in the US, 1.5 miles from the Pacific, on a mix of marine shale, limestone, sandstone. This Chardonnay, off clones 809, 17, and 96, was fermented in 228L French oak barrels, and it aged in a mix of these and 500L French puncheons for 9 months. The wood is up front in this wine, with the toasted notes flesh up against the creamy lemon, green apple that fills the core. There’s a welcome and necessary brace of Pacific acidity that rights this to a spiced, warming finish. A modern style Cali Chardy for drinking now.

“Limpid straw-yellow. Vibrant, mineral-driven citrus and orchard fruit, honeysuckle, fennel and quinine qualities on the incisive nose. Chewy, taut and dry on the palate, offering kaffir lime, pear skin and honeydew melon flavors that convey a suave blend of power and delicacy. Finishes very long and stony, with a hint of salinity and repeating citrus fruit and floral notes. Drink 2021-2027.” – 93 points, Josh Raynolds, Vinous, January 2021.

Appellation : AVA San Luis Obispo Coast
Region: California, USA
Grape(s) : Chardonnay
Price : $67.00
Case : 6 pack

Pinot Noir Spanish Springs Vineyard 2019
This comes off the Spanish Springs Vineyard, the westernmost vineyard in the US, 1.5 miles from the Pacific, on a mix of marine shale, limestone, sandstone. This is a mix of Swan, 115, 667, 777, fermented in tank and then moved to 228 and 500L French barrels for 9 months’ aging. Ripe and perfumed, with fragrant black raspberry, cherry, on a silky, soft core, framed by toasted oak, to a warming, baking spiced finish. Drinking now.

“Brilliant red. Primary, spice-accented cherry and black raspberry aromas open up slowly and pick up suggestions of woodsmoke and succulent herbs along the way. Shows fine definition and cut to the bitter cherry, red berry, dark chocolate and baking spice flavors, which turn sweeter on the back half. Youthfully gripping tannins frame a long, chewy finish that echoes the cherry and spice notes. By all means give this youthful Pinot some air if you’re planning on opening a bottle any time soon. Drink 2025 – 2034.” – 92 points, Josh Raynolds, Vinous, November 2021.

Appellation : AVA San Luis Obispo Coast
Region: California, USA
Grape(s) : Pinot Noir
Price : $82.00
Case : 6 pack

Most of our producers are small, independently owned and operated businesses, like ours. You can view our complete portfolio here. Thank you for letting us share these producers and wines with you.

Cheers,