SENSORIUM - scmwine/Wineries GitHub Wiki

Sensorium Wines

Field Details
Owners Lee Ritchey and John Zasio
Winemaker Jeff Ritchey
Address 501 N. Santa Cruz Ave, Suite A, Los Gatos, CA 95030
Phone (408) 529-1780
First Vintage 2002
AVA Santa Cruz Mountains, Central Coast
Specialty Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah
Status Possibly closed (no recent activity)

History

2002: Lee Ritchey and John Zasio, with backgrounds in Silicon Valley's tech industry, launched Sensorium Wines. Lee's son Jeff, who obtained a Masters in Enology from UC Davis and was winemaker at Clos LaChance, became winemaker for the new label.

Makes wines from fruit purchased from several appellations including the Uvas Creek vineyard in the southern Santa Cruz Mountains.

Based in Los Gatos, California.

Winemaker

Jeff Ritchey - Award-winning winemaker, holds Master of Science degree in Enology from UC Davis. Previously winemaker at Clos LaChance Winery in San Martin. Has served as consulting winemaker for numerous Santa Cruz and Monterey County wineries including San Saba, Picchetti Winery, Los Gatos Wine Company, and Fleming-Jenkins.

Currently Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Clean Solar (San Jose).

Wines

Specialized in small lot, handcrafted wines:

  • Cabernet Sauvignon - particularly from Uvas Valley Vineyard
  • Syrah

Also produced Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

Awards

2009 Uvas Valley Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon - 91 points Wine Enthusiast. "Unique and pleasing savory character to the nose, quite smooth, with rich plum, tart cherry and dark chocolate flavors."

Current Status

Winery appears to be closed or inactive. Most recent wine releases found online are from 2010 vintage. Jeff Ritchey still owns Sensorium Wines but current production status unclear.

Sources