Passing through the Santa Cruz Mountains, we opted to stop at a few wineries along the way. Many praised David Bruce's Pinot Noir though they forgot to mention that poor service and snobbery attitudes are behind the counter.
My travels for the weekend took me back to the Santa Cruz Mountains. I can't help myself to stop at a few wineries along the way. My brother Tim, accompanied me as he was anxious to stop at Picchetti Winery and pick up some of his favorite Zinfandel. Since Picchetti is closer to his home, we ventured out in the mountains first and tasted at two wineries, David Bruce known for their Pinot Noir and Byington, known for their Alliage Bordeaux blend. After those, we were headed back to Picchetti for Tim's Zinfandel.
After a scenic drive through the mountains, which is filled with twists and turns (not a drive for the faint), we saw the large sign for David Bruce Winery. Upon first glance, it looked like an impressively modern place for winemaking. The building was quite large and built using nothing but concrete. a beautiful view of vineyards on the hillsides vanishing into the trees made the building seem just that much more out of place.
When we entered, which was around 11am, there were only 2 other groups wine tasting; both with 3 people to each party. Two workers were behind the counter pouring when we approached the bar. There was a small conversation going with one party; quiet for a beautiful Saturday afternoon. With that said, we were beginning to get the idea that the David Bruce workers were not anxious to help us. After standing for a good 5 minutes, we were finally approached only to get the snobbish rub-off by one of the workers. He placed 3 pieces of paper in front of us and quickly began running through what they were tasting, where they get their grapes, and a price sheet. He then poured the first tasting, their '02 Saignee, then quickly walked away without a chance to discuss anything.
"Ok, maybe he was busy with something else" I thought, "I'll engage him when he returns for the next tasting." When he did return to pour the '02 Sonoma County Pinot Noir, I immediately began to ask him some questions. I wanted some material for this web site to inform my readers about David Bruce and give them some insider information. I began to inquire, "So, where do most of your grapes come from for making..." I was then interrupted. The worker looked at my brother and I suppose half-jokingly said, "Was he not standing right here when I went over all this just a few minutes ago?..." gggrrrrrr..... "Let me finish my question" I stated with an aggressive tone. I preceded to ask where the grapes for the Saigee came from since it didn't state it on the paper he so eloquently tossed in front of us in the beginning. He stumbled for an answer only to reply with a "I'm not sure..." and that's when the other worker approached. I engaged him much more since he seemed more personable. He began to speak about why David Bruce is unique and their methodology behind their passion for Pinot Noir but kept things so vague we got the impression he didn't want to be bothered by us and our questions.
They're lucky we didn't leave right then and there after we were snubbed for what I can only guess is because the appearance of our age. Both Tim and I are in our mid-twenties but both very knowledgeable with wine. We tasting a Sangiovese which I would have gladly purchased by the case but because of the pretentiousness and the inappropriate attitudes we walked out annoyed and with more money in our pockets to spend at other wineries. Their loss.
Putting aside our awful experience, I did enjoy some of their wines. They have a breadth of very nice Pinot Noir and their others were also well made. In particular, I truly enjoyed their Sangiovese.
For their overall value however, I felt they were asking for a bit much. Most were well over $20 so for the average consumer, it was tough to justify the cost. Regarding their grounds- they had tables outside for picnickers but the concrete establishment that surrounded them made for feelings of sterility, not the ideal wine country atmosphere. The view of the vineyards was nice but their concrete building just grew more and more into an eye sore.
I spoke with a few other wine friends and found their experience was pretty similar. I won't be returning to David Bruce any time soon, nor will I recommend them to any friends. I wouldn't want to put any one else through the same treatment we received. If you're a Pinot Noir enthusiast check them out at your own discretion. They do offer a large breadth of varying styles though I found the help rude and their wine was mediocre for the value. You can decide for yourself but don't blame me for not warning you.
