OG Kompas Clubbers will remember a Pinot Noir version of “The Drawing Board” from one of our first cases. The Drawing Board wines are made by the two Wenzlau sons under the guidance of winemaker Justin Willet, many of whose wines have been featured in Kompas Club. This certified organic estate on the Western reach of the Santa Rita Hills AVA is, despite its Southerly location, possibly the coolest AVA in California with the East-West orientation of the Coastal Range funnelling air cooled by the upwelling of the Arctic current directly into the vineyards. Fog blankets these vines almost every afternoon, lengthening hang time so that flavors have ample time to develop without the grapes losing acidity or the wines becoming overly alcoholic. The Racines Chardonnay we had in last September’s selection was a blend of Sta Rita Hills vineyards including Wenzlau. Flavors of green and yellow apple, lemon curd, pear tart and rocks that would pair well with roast chicken.