Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard was founded in 1974 by Ken Burnap. He purchased the century-old Jarvis vineyard from David Bruce; the land had been replanted with Pinot Noir by Bruce 5 years previously. SCMV soon established a reputation for big, tannic Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignons and Durif (Petite Sirah) that would age for decades.

In 1977 a student called Jeff Emery helped out on the bottling line. Jeff continued to work part time and after graduating in 1981 he joined the winery full time. The two continued to work together for the next two decades.

In 2003 Ken decided to retire and sell the winery. Jeff was able to purchase the name, inventory and equipment, however the Jarvis vineyard and the winery were sold separately and are now known as Vine Hill Winery. Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard operated out of Bradley Brown's Big Basin winery for a few years before moving to a permanent location on Ingalls Street in Santa Cruz. Since taking over Jeff has toned down the tannins somewhat, making the wines more appealing in their youth.

In 2009 the winery launched a second label, Quinta Cruz, focusing on Iberian grape varieties.

2006 Branciforte Creek Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains
Nose shows raspberry syrup and a hint of anise. There's good cherry and raspberry flavours, plenty of acidity and fine tannins. Needs some time. 89+

2007 Quinta Cruz Tempranillo, Pierce Ranch, San Antonio Valley
Light nose of black fruits. Good black berry & plum flavours. Plenty of tannin and acidity. Another one for the cellar. 88+

2006 Grenache, McDowell Valley Vineyard, Mendocino County
Made from 100 year old head trained vines.
Bright, smoky nose of redcurrant and rhubarb. Complex, intense red fruit, good acidity, some oak showing. Herbal, tannic finish. 90

2006 Syrah, Santa Lucia Highlands
Smoky and gamey nose with black berry fruit. A meaty, rich Syrah loaded with black fruit and pepper. 90

2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Luchessi Vineyard, Santa Cruz Mountains
The Luchessi Vineyard is on Monte Bello Road, near to Ridge.
A funky, earthy nose showing a bit of Brett. Good blackcurrant fruit and an earthy, tannic finish. Another wine that needs time. 87+

2007 Quinta Cruz Graciano, Bokisch Vineyard, Mokelumne River
Graciano isn't a grape I'd heard of, but it's one of the main components of Rioja.
An initial whiff of sulphur turned out to be hiding some floral notes.
On the palate - Wow - loads of interesting, spicy fruit and a note of bitter chocolate. Good acidity, soft, fine tannins. Something very different. 92

2005 Rabelo dessert wine, Pierce Ranch, San Antonio Valley
Made entirely from traditional port grapes - Tinta Roriz (AKA Tempranillo), Touriga Nacional and Tinto Cão, this is a true single vineyard, vintage wine. Some Tempranillo is harvested early, fermented and distilled at Osocalis to provide the "aguardente" spirit that is used to fortify the wine and stop fermentation.
Sooo good. Sweet but not overly so, loads of complexity backed by the tannin and flavours of traditional port grapes. Made in the LBV style, so not oxidised. This is as good a port-style wine as you'll find outside Portugal. 95

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Joe Miller is a former professor of astronomy at UC Santa Cruz, and a long time amateur winemaker. Having retired from the University he decided to start a small commercial winery among the growing band of vintners around Swift and Ingalls in Santa Cruz.

The fruit is all purchased, with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Merlot coming from Bargetto's Regan Vineyard. No new oak is used; everything is at least 1 year old. Current production is around 800 cases, with plans to slowly expand to around 2000 cases.

2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Arroyo Seco
Lovely citrus, grassy nose. Lots of acidity; flavours of lemon, pear and green apple. Crisp finish 88 $15

2008 Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains
All Clone 4, from the Regan Vineyard. Unfined and unfiltered.
Creamy lemon nose. Lightly oaked, red apple and a little vanilla, good finish. 88 $18

2008 Pinot Noir, Regan Vineyard
Fermented in stainless steel with an 'oak chain' added.
Bright garnet colour. Nice cherry/raspberry nose, lots of cherry fruit, light acidity. Initially showed some pithy bitterness on the finish and was too cold; gained weight after it had warmed up. 88

2007 Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands
From Talbott's Sunny Slope Vineyard.
Darker colour than the Regan, nose was earthy with black cherry. Richer and more full bodied; lots of black cherry and currant fruit with some coffee on the finish. 89

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