Chimera is one of my earliest wines, the name taken from Greek mythology..."A monster comprised of three different animals" as is depicted on the label.

Originally blended from three vineyards back in 2001, I now have access to several excellent Russian River vineyard sources that boost its quality and value.

Appellation: Russian River
Vineyards:
89% Starscape Vineyard, Russian River
5% Widdoes Vineyard, Russian River
3% Pisoni Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands
3% Garys’ Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands

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I've had access to Widdoes Vineyard for 28 years; named for its late owner, Don Widdoes, and farmed by Dutton Ranch who planted Martini clone Pinot Noir in 1982.widdoes vineyard pinot noir bottle shotThe soil is quintessential Russian River Goldridge fine sandy loam. Located just West of the little town of Graton, it is a magical location for pinot noir. The fog rolls in first and burns off late in this Green Valley sub-appellation.

The appearance is medium red with a purple hue and semi-opaque center. From the glass classic aromas of cherry cola, anise with a hint of forest floor. Deep penetrating vinous qualities deliver flavors of rhubarb, blood orange, baked strawberry. Tannins stand up to the vibrant flavors and long, penetrating finish meant to age for years to come.

Fermentation: 20% whole cluster, 5-day cold soak, natural fermentation, open top vessel with punch downs and 11-day total maceration. Malolactic conversion in barrel, aged sur lie until bottled unfined and unfiltered. No acid additions.

Reviews:
97pts - Antonio Galloni/Vinous

..."Widdoes Vineyard is glorious. It is also one of the most complete and engaging wines I have ever tasted from Sean Capiaux. Bright acids pulse through a core of blue/purplish fruit, lavender, sage, menthol and blood orange. The balance of fruit intensity and energy is nothing short of compelling. What a wine!"

Appellation: Russian River (Green Valley sub-appellation)
Vineyard: 100% Widdoes

Limited – call or email for allocation

Garys' Vineyard is a highly acclaimed and storied site owned by two Garys: garys' pinot noirPisoni and Francioni. It was planted in the mid ‘90’s to the Pisoni clone of Pinot Noir in Santa Lucia Highlands Arroyo Seco sandy loam soil receiving 10-13 inches of rain a year. Steady Monterey Bay winds provide a long and steady growing season. With my first vintage of Garys’ in 1999 , I became dedicated to the quality of this special place and could sense its old-world beginnings and it’s ability to rival some of the great Burgundy “grand cru” sites.

Swirling in the glass, medium light red with a moderate purple hue. Red fruit aromas intermixed with vanilla, light smokey barrel tones. Flavors of plum, craisins and currants all meld into the rich, sweet oak finish with moderate tannins.

Fermentation: 15% whole cluster, 5-day cold soak, natural fermentation using open top tank with punch downs, 17-day total maceration. Malolactic conversion in barrel, aged sur lie until bottled unfined and unfiltered. No acid or nutrient additions.

Appellation:  Santa Lucia Highlands
Vineyard:  100% Garys’

Limited – call or email for allocation

What started in 1982 as just two acres of vines planted at the edge of the family's horse ranch, Gary Pisoni has expanded to 45 acres. Grapevines contour on and around the rugged mountain range in what is now known as Santa Lucia Highlands. The vineyard is primarily decomposed granite with large deposits of quartz. Gravelly soils stress the vines and lower yields. Fog blankets the vineyard maintaining cool temperatures that retain vibrant acidity and aromatics. Sustainable farming practices balance the land which his family has tilled for three generations.

In the glass dark ruby with a purple core. Aromas of toasty vanilla mingling with cherry blossoms. Allspice intermingles with cherry and pomegranate. A lush elegant wine with a finish of cocoa and barrel sweetness.

Reviews:
Vinous/Galloni 96 Pts “…fabulous, bright, punchy and explosive, the 2021 captures the essence of this Santa Lucia Highlands site. Inky blue/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, licorice and mint saturate the palate. Even with all its intensity, the 2021 retains terrific freshness and verve. This Capiaux wine emerges from the one parcel at Pisoni planted with own rooted vines.” Drinking window: 2026 - 2036 .

Appellation:    100% Santa Lucia Highlands
Vineyard:      100% Pisoni (Camper Block)

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Starscape Vineyard, formerly Floodgate Vineyard, located in the Northern part of Russian River Valley bordering Mark West Creek is within the unofficial sub-region known as Middle Reach. Planted in 1971, these old Martini clone vines are among the oldest known Pinot Noir in Russian River. The effects of annual flooding mark these craggy, thick 52-year-old vines yielding less than a ton an acre. The soil type is Laniger loam, typically found in flood plains, with a Yolo loam over-wash. I’m so pleased with the unique character and striking quality this old vineyard delivers.

A purple hue in the glass leading to floral aromas with lavender and mint, raspberry and saline on the edge of the nose. Raspberry/cherry cobbler with a hint of graham cracker on the palate offering a long silky finish with stable tannins. “A warm, weighted raspberry blanket poured over my tongue” as Sean describes this wine.

Reviews:
Vinous/Galloni 96 Pts “…one of the most potent, virile wines in the range. These old vines planted in the 1960’s with the wide row spacing typical of the era yields a decidedly potent, muscular Pinot. Most of the 2021’s here are quite refined, but Starscape is all about power and structural intensity. Dark blue/purplish fruit, lavender, graphite, mocha and spice linger on the finish. This is a dazzling effort from Sean Capiaux.” Drinking window: 2026 - 2036

Appellation:    100% Russian River
Vineyard:      100% Starscape

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