Since writing about Catalina Island several months

ago I have since learned of this winery on the island.  This is their story. 

 

Santa Catalina Island's El Rancho Escondido was founded in 1930 and for decades was a working Arabian horse ranch.  Eventually, the owners began to dream of planting a small vineyard overlooking the ocean in the pastures where horses once grazed.  The long-standing dream is now represented in this wine.  Little did they know then that the classic, cool-climate conditions and clay soils that exist there would make it a world-class site for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.  It also features a zinfandel that originated from a few hardy wines still alive on Catalina's sister island of Santa Cruz.

Rusack Vineyards now produces hand-crafted wines that have become known around the world for their striking elegance, robust yet silky fruit and impeccable balance remiiscent of the rolling hills of Ballard Canyon, at dusk.  Established in 1995 by the husband and wife team of Geoff Rusack and Alison Wrigley Rusack, the forty-eight acre estate is planted with seventeen acres of grapes.  

The Rusacks' commitment to producing world-class wines was clearly demonstrated when following the 2001 harvest they replanted the vast majority of the vineyard in realigned rows.  These rows precisely followed the hillside contours allowing for good drainage, optimal sun exposure and even ripening of the fruit.  The reward for all of this work is a new example for what Ballard Canyon has to offer and more importantly, absolutely delicious wine!