I was introduced to John Allen after his Riesling became available at the Coast View Vineyard in 2013. After speaking with Ian Brand who had been making the Riesling before me and then visiting the ranch, I was blown away. The Coast View Vineyard is a site that had no neighbors Like Mt. Harlan and Pisoni Ranch this is a vineyard that was truly “pioneered” and created against all odds. It is located far back in Chualar Canyon at 2200’ elevation. Planted to shallow limestone soils and with massive diurnal swings, this is an extreme site that vines struggle to produce in. These grapes tend to have thicker skins and produce a more phenolic wine if not careful. This vineyard although picked a bit later than the others, is typically the lowest pH and has the best aging potential. Coast View pushes more of what I consider the “classic” Riesling characteristics, this wine shows apricots and dried fruits, and has great richness and intensity on the pallet.