Wines Central Coast Firestone Vineyard - Private Reserve - 2024

Viniou Reviews

Firestone Vineyard’s Private Reserve White 2024 hails from California’s Central Coast AVA, a region celebrated for its vibrant and expressive white wines. The precise blend details are not specified, but California white Private Reserves often showcase grapes like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, or even a touch of Rhône varietals, vinified to emphasise freshness and a generous texture. The 2024 vintage, marked by cool spring weather and a gradual, even ripening into harvest, has given wines notable brightness and purity of fruit. Expect expressive aromas—think crisp apple, pear, hints of citrus, maybe even subtle white blossom or almond—supported by a lively acidity and a well-integrated mouthfeel, characteristic of careful winemaking with possible gentle oak use and lees ageing.

The Central Coast, sprawling between the cool reaches of Santa Cruz and the sun-drenched Santa Barbara County, has earned its reputation for producing refined whites thanks to its maritime-influenced climate. Coastal fogs and ocean breezes temper the sunshine, prolonging the maturation period and preserving acidity essential to white wines. Soils here range from limestone to sandy loam, lending a mineral backbone and distinctive freshness to the wines. The local winemaking tradition is young but pioneering, blending Californian innovation with a sensitivity to varietal expression and site.

A white blend of this style pairs beautifully with seafood—perfect with seared scallops, grilled halibut, or creamy prawn risotto. Its vibrant acidity will lift rich dishes like chicken in tarragon cream, or fresh Californian cuisine such as Dungeness crab with avocado. With a nod to the region, try it alongside artichoke and goat cheese tart or traditional fish tacos with zesty salsa.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine well-chilled but not too cold, allowing its aromatic complexity to shine. Aim for a serving temperature of 8-10°C. Decanting is unnecessary, but opening the bottle a few minutes in advance will help unveil its delicate bouquet. This Private Reserve White is ideal for drinking young to capture its freshness and vivacity.