Santa Maria, CA (July 28, 2003)
Barbara Banke, Proprietor of Cambria Winery, recently announced the appointment of Denise Shurtleff as Winemaker. Shurtleff will oversee all aspects of winemaking at the estate, which has a reputation for producing lush, tropical Chardonnay, velvety-textured Pinot Noir and rich, spicy Syrah.
“Cambria was established as a family-owned estate property that farms and crafts exceptional wines,” said Banke, who named the main Cambria Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards after her two daughters -- Katherine and Julia. “With Denise at the winemaking helm, we have a strong team in place that will help us achieve those goals.”
A California native, Shurtleff joined Cambria in September 1999 as Assistant Winemaker. Prior to Cambria, Shurtleff spent 16 years with Corbett Canyon Vineyards where she was Winemaker and Winery Manager. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics and Food Administration from California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo. At Cambria, Shurtleff worked very closely with former Winemaker Fred Holloway on the award-winning Cambria Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. In addition, she focused on the Rhône varietals, in particular the Syrah program and the limited production Viognier and late-harvest Viognier.
Shurtleff’s main interest is to create wines that reflect Santa Barbara County and more importantly the Santa Maria Bench. In Shurtleff’s mind, varietal characteristics are the key to good winemaking, “I strive to preserve and accentuate the character of the varietal.” Carrying the theme of identifiable Santa Barbara wines, Shurtleff notes, “Katherine’s Vineyard Chardonnay displays a distinct Santa Barbara personality with pineapple and exotic fruit nuances. In addition, Julia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir presents luscious cherry, raspberry and strawberry characteristics that are indicative of the Santa Maria Bench.”
About Cambria
The family owned Cambria Estate has carved out a reputation for lush, tropical Chardonnay, velvety-textured Pinot Noir and rich, spicy Syrah from the unique setting of the Santa Maria Bench. Originally planted in 1970 as one of the premier vineyards in Santa Barbara County, the estate is just 15 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Established in 1987 by the Jackson-Banke Family, Cambria has built a long tradition of excellence in farming the gravely, well-draining soils of this cool climate vineyards.
|