In 1996, a nursery mistake resulted in a Syrah vineyard inter-planted with around 8% Viognier. So the decision was made to capitalise on it and co-ferment the two grapes together, just as in the famed Northern Rhône appellation of Côte Rôtie; thus, Roasted Slope was created - it is the literal translation of Côte Rotie. The vineyards in Santa Barbara County have a distinctive topography due to the transverse mountain ranges, cool coastal climate and ancient sea-bed soils. The ranges funnel calm coastal winds from the Pacific Ocean, and these daily breezes are a defining feature of the microclimate. The cordon-pruned vines are cultivated according to sustainable, organic and biodynamic farming principles. Practices include paying attention to soil structure and cover crops to reduce soil erosion and using plant extracts to control pests. The soils consist of sand, gravel and a tiny bit of loam, which naturally reduces vigour in the vines. 100% manual harvesting.