Happy Super Spy Sunday! We have an exciting follow up to one of our most Operative-favorited wineries, Martolotto Wines. Today, we present their dark, rich and exciting 2016 Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara Il Capoccia Riserva Red Blend, a wine that took our tasting panel by storm. Everyone raved about this wine, declaring it to be one of the finest Santa Barbara wines we’ve ever featured.

That’s high praise, indeed.

The nose is of blackberry preserves which sit right alongside violet and potpourri notes. Both fresh and dried figs complement the spice notes, which range from subtle anise to prominent allspice. After sipping, creamy vanilla and a bit of butterscotch come through right up front. More raspberry than blackberry comes through on the palate. Cacao and licorice linger after the main players fade. Well structured throughout - tastes very much like an Italian take on the Bordeaux varietals. The finish is smooth and well rounded. This would actually be a nice accompaniment to a rich dessert like chocolate ganache. It would also go well with sweet and savory cuisine such as Moroccan lamb with couscous and raisins.

This wine was made by winemaker, Michael Roth, whose early career found him learning from two of the best minds in contemporary winemaking, Nils Venge, 100 point winemaker from Saddleback Cellars, and Mike Grgich of Grgich Hills Estate. These two winemakers are responsible for some of the finest wines that we’ve had the pleasure to feature on these pages. Michael Roth, one of the most down to earth winemakers we’ve had the pleasure to work with, says of winemaking, “I always wanted to have a job where it was kind of a trade, like being a tradesman or a carpenter. Winemaking is like that. I’m really into the idea that you should be physically making the wine if you call yourself a winemaker.”

Enjoy this wine with our very hearty recommendation.