Utilizing 50 years of combined wine-making experience, Bruno D’Alfonso & Kris Curran offer a collection of exceptional wines and unique varietals. They combine their backgrounds in science and art to create a unique set of textures, aromas, and flavors for their award-winning wines. The husband-and-wife team focuses exclusively on their collection of fine wines under four different labels: D'Alfonso-Curran, BADGE, Curran, and Di Bruno.
Kris ranks among California’s highest profiled winemakers, particularly for creating outstanding Pinot Noir. She’s voted as one of Wine Spectator’s Top Winemakers almost annually due to her pioneering station amid the industry’s forward-thinkers.
Bruno’s dedication to precision and attention to detail aid him in creating wines that alter traditional expectations. He is a consummate perfectionist. “Over the years I have begun to understand the designing of wine. That has become my goal: to create wonderful, stable, long-lived, stylized wines.”
We will sample:
Curran Grenache Blanc 2023 — Kris continues to fulfill her innovative standing as the first Californian vintner to popularize Grenache Blanc which she started making in 2003. The Curran label, which was the first label Kris established in 1997, concentrates mainly on vineyard-designated Spanish varietals including Grenache, Grenache Gris, Grenache Blanc, and Tempranillo. A clean and fruity, dry white wine with notes of ripe mango, white peaches, and hints of passion fruit and elderflowers. Medium bodied, with balanced acidity, firm tannins, and a clean, crisp finish. 12.8% ABV. $23.99/8
D'Alfonso-Curran Pinot Noir 2020 — The D’Alfonso-Curran brand was started in 2006 with the concept of showcasing ultra-premium, vineyard-designated Pinot Noirs (and Chardonnays) from the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Black cherry in color with aromatics of boysenberry, and dark plum, accompanied by suggestions of fine leather and cardamom. Bold, with excellent structure and firm tannins, leading to a lasting, rich, and supple finish. Rating: 92, Wine Enthusiast. 14.1% ABV. $43/14
Curran Badge "Borderlands" Red Blend 2019 — Started in 2003, BADGE features blended Pinot Noirs from various locations in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA and expanded to other varietals, including this red blend and the “Blue Steel” Chardonnay. Dark garnet in color with wonderful aromatics of coffee, dried cranberries, and cinnamon with notes of wild roses on the nose and nuances of season leather. This Red Blend is deep and sophisticated, with exotic fruitiness. Bold, dry tannins lend themselves to a long finish. 14.9% ABV. $25.99/8.50