Happy Canyon is located in the north-east Santa Ynez Valley and is one of six Santa Barbara County AVAs. It is described as a bucolic canyon of hillside vineyards. Differentiated from the rest of Santa Barbara County, it has decidedly hotter temperatures and a high-magnesium mineral terroir.

These unique factors and the micro-climate make this area suitable for producing Bordeaux varietals with concentrated flavors and a ripe fruit quality that has been difficult to achieve in the cooler areas of Santa Barbara County.
 
Winemaker, Bruce McGuire, looks to the warmer temperatures of Happy Canyon to produce the 2016 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Happy Canyon has quickly made a name for itself by producing big, bold, concentrated red wines, and fruit driven white wines. The 2016 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon uses grapes from Star Lane Vineyard and McGinley Vineyard. These continuous vineyard sites provide plenty of warmth and elevation.

Winemaker Comments: The rich, powerful Star Lane Vineyards is at the top of Happy Canyon. The elegant McGinley Vineyard is contiguous and down canyon at a lower elevation. Happy Canyon AVA is the warmest part of the Santa Ynez Valley. This combined with a continued drought resulted in small canopies and small clusters with a great concentration in fruit and tannin.
 
Tasting Notes: The 2016 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is dark ruby with purple garnet undertones. This wine has well developed aromas of black currant, boysenberry, and mild cedar. Using our finest grapes and highest quality barrels the Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon starts bright with black cherry, and develops into rich prune and baking spices. This big, bold red belongs next to a bone-in steak, roasted lamb, or aged cheddar cheese.