The worldwide acclaim that Nebbiolo has earned over the years was born in the hills of Piemonte, in Northwestern Italy, home of the famed Nebbiolo wines of Barolo and Barbaresco. In Piemonte, like in much of Santa Barbara County, morning blankets of fog (nebbia, in Italian) give way to sunny afternoons, and cool nights.  

The Michet clone of this grape thrives in the Honea Vineyard, which is nestled in the center of the Santa Ynez AVA. Limestone and sandy loam soil, marine layered mornings, warm afternoon sunlight and cool evenings conspire to create the ideal conditions to showcase Honea Nebbiolo’s nuances. As the vines mature, new levels of depth emerge within the vintage. 

At Palmina, working with Nebbiolo is a game of patience, as the wines age in barrel for up to five years before bottling; the wine then spends another year in bottle before release.

"Dark red cherry, plum, spice, menthol and licorice meld together in the 2009 Nebbiolo Honea Vineyard. Here the expression of Nebbiolo is decidedly virile and imposing, while the oak is also a bit more prominent. Still, there is a lot to admire in the wine's sensual, layered personality." - 93 Points, Antonio Galloni