It is a thrill for us to bring you our Estate Blend made from what we think is the best fruit in our orchard milled to perfection at our mill. To make this year’s blend, we chose a preponderance of Maurino mixed with Manzanilla, Pendolino, Leccino, Frontoio, San Felice and Itrana olives. Its fragrant aroma is a mixture of grass and wood with sweet undertones. Although many may argue about the effect of terroir on olive oil, these aromas are reminiscent of the Santa Ynez region where the olives are grown, with its rolling hills and lush valley. In both bouquet and flavor, one detects an earthy mixture of green pepper, marjoram, and just a hint of cardamom, which is followed by a long peppery finish.

Best used as a finishing condiment drizzled over cooked foods, this oil will enhance a simple dish of grilled fish or chicken, steamed asparagus, or sautéed spinach, or will complement boldly-flavored recipes such as bruschetta with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes or Mediterranean spreads such as hummus (chick peas) or baba ganoush (eggplant).