Brander
Brander Vineyards was founded in the Santa Ynez Valley in 1975 by Fred Brander. Originally from Argentina, Fred moved with his family and settled in Santa Barbara, California. He was hired by a local wine merchant and later started his own wine import company, focusing on wines from France and Argentina according to our Brander wine reviews. Brander Vineyards initial planting was mainly Bordeaux grape varietals and in 1977, his original Sauvignon Blanc wine captured Santa Barbara County's first gold medal for a wine at a major wine competition which was the 1978 Los Angeles County Fair. Brander Winery is known as a top Sauvignon Blanc producer, and for many years the only Brander Vineyard wine was an estate-bottled Sauvignon Blanc according to our Brander wine ratings. This mostly still holds true today but they produce several different Sauvignon Blanc wines and a handful of red Bordeaux style wines are produced as well. To see which of these wines are right for you check out Brander wine buying guide below.
Brander 2006 Bouchet Red (Santa Ynez Valley)
- Online Exclusive
- $42
Made from the two Cabs plus Syrah, this bottling shows its typicity in the rustic mouthfeel and exuberant berry, spice and cocoa flavors. It’s a dry, lusty red that will happily wash down savory stews and roasts.
— S.H.
(12/1/2008)
Brander 2010 F/Red Red (Santa Ynez Valley)
- Online Exclusive
- $18
Made from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, this has a rustic texture that frames raisin, currant and sandalwood flavors. It will pair well with beef ribs.
— S.H.
(11/1/2012)
Brander 2005 Chateau Neuf du Pink Rosé (Santa Ynez Valley)
- Online Exclusive
- $13
Easy and dry, this blend of too many varieties to name has raspberry, rosehip tea, floral and wild herb flavors. The addition of Sauvignon Blanc seems to bring a refreshing citrus element.
— S.H.
(12/1/2006)
Brander 1999 Merlot (Santa Ynez Valley)
- $18
Even in the best of vintages it’s hard to get Merlot to ripen in Santa Barbara unless it’s grown well inland. This one does its best, with modest aromas of black-cherry fruit accentuated by oak, but there’s a green weediness throughout that age will not soften. That said, it’s dry and well made, and complex enough to be a nice by-the-glass wine if the price is kept…
— S.H.
(5/1/2001)
Brander 2004 Sauvignon Blanc (Santa Ynez Valley)
- $12
Fruity, floral, slightly sweet, a little spritzy, crisp in acidity, and clean. That about says it all for this easy wine. Try it with fresh fruit, or by itself as an apéritif.
— S.H.
(10/1/2005)
Brander 2005 Cuvee Natalie White (Santa Ynez Valley)
- Online Exclusive
- $18
A blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris, this is a nice, flavorful wine with some flair and sophistication. It’s not a complicated wine, but satisfies with fruity flavors that are dry and crisp through the finish.
— S.H.
(11/15/2006)
Brander 2005 Syrah (Santa Ynez Valley)
- Online Exclusive
- $25
A little rough around the edges, but flavorful in ripe cherries, black raspberries and chocolate. Finishes dry and crisp, with loads of Asian spices.
— S.H.
(7/1/2007)
Brander 2007 Merlot (Santa Ynez Valley)
- Online Exclusive
- $20
A little green and minty, with sweet cherry, vanilla cream and smoke flavors brightened with crisp acidity. Drink now.
— S.H.
(12/1/2008)
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