The Zekarias were inspired by the beautiful wines of California’s Central Coast as well as the wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. They observed similarities between the Dogged Ranch soils and microclimates and those of specific sites in Châteauneuf.
Before planting the new varietals, they bounced ideas around with James Sparks, a local winemaker. They talked with James for hours about their unique site and different styles of wine. His easy-going, affable nature and his ability to strike a keen balance between fruit purity and expression of place, ultimately convinced Ike and Lara to work with him. After much discussion, they all agreed that Rhône varieties were ideal for the estate.
Having donned their property Dogged Ranch, it was only fitting that Ike and Lara name their winery Dogged Vine. The vines, much like Ike and Lara’s tenacious pursuit of a new life, are resolute in their production of fruit. The estate vines, in particular, have been forced to adapt and persevere. They push through daily struggles to sustain life and provide bounty.
In 2019, Dogged Vine produced its first Rosé, followed in 2022 by its first Sauvignon Blanc. Dogged Vine hopes to release its first GSM in the Spring of 2023.
CURRENT RELEASES
2021 Dogged Vine Rosé
Los Olivos District AVA, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara County, California ($28)
VINEYARD
Dogged Vine Vineyard (Organically Grown)
AGING
Fermented and aged five months in neutral French oak
ON THE NOSE
Chalky, Mineral, Fresh Fruits
PALATE
Oranges, Tangerine, Ripe Lemons
ALCOHOL: 12%
BOTTLING: February 2022
2021 DOGGED VINE SAUVIGNON BLANC
BALLARD CANYON AVA, SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA ($38)
VINEYARD
Tierra Alta Vineyard
AGING
Fermented and aged eight months in neutral French oak
ON THE NOSE
Fresh Spring Air, White Blossom, Flinty, Pineapple
PALATE
Mineral, Bright and Crisp, Lemon Rind, Stone Fruits
ALCOHOL: 12%
BOTTLING: April 2022
2021 Dogged Vine Red
Los Olivos District AVA, 48% Grenache, 35% Syrah, and 17% Mourvedre ($58)
VINEYARD
Dogged Vine Vineyard (Organically Grown)
Syrah from Mira Laguna Vineyard (Organically Grown)
AGING
Fermented in Stainless Steel open top 1.5-ton fermenters. Aged on the lees in neutral barrels for 15 months.
ON THE NOSE
Raspberry, Blackberry, Earthy tones, and black pepper.
PALATE
Berries, pepper, and earth. Great acid and tannins to hold the wine up and give it a great finish.
ALCOHOL: 13.5%
BOTTLING: January 2023