Current Release
Grimm's Bluff Olive Oil
Rick and Aurora Grimm have an absolutely spectacular property on a bluff overlooking the Santa Ynez Mountains to the South and Lake Cachuma to the East. We have been buying grapes here since 2017, and the path to the vineyard abuts the stately olive trees, which stand guard over the entrance to the property. These magnificent sentinels exude a certain regality and timelessness that brings one to the Old World (Greece and Italy come to mind). Looks aside, they produce beautiful oil, which we have been fortunate to have enjoyed over the years. The olive trees are a blend of classic Tuscan varieties Frantoio, Moraiolo, and Leccino, with Pendolino a pollinator. Farming is organic with biodynamic principles and with great love and attention from Rick and Aurora and their long time olive farmer Florencio. You can feel the happiness of the trees in this grove just by walking by.
According to Rick, each of the varieties is completely unique and it is only by blending that you can create the perfect flavors and textures of great oil. Each of these varieties brings a different dynamic to the oil's flavor, mouthfeel, and aromatics.
We know from the grapes that 2023 was an exceptional growing season. For the oil the long gentle season punctuated by a warm (but not blisteringly hot) August gave the oil a very high polyphenol content and incredibly low free acidity (of only .06%). Typical EVOO must be less than .1%, so this is impressive.
The oil’s aromas are bright and lifted, reminiscent of a Tuscan oil, while perhaps a tad less aggressive and peppery. The mouthfeel really sets this oil apart, as it lush, smooth and expressive, with an incredibly long finish from the bright lemony acidity, fresh and dried herbs and almond skin. The oil adds brilliance to pasta dishes, vegetables and salads, only a squeeze of lemon and good sea salt is all any vegetables need. Enjoy this while it is super fresh, though it is good until 2026…
According to Rick, each of the varieties is completely unique and it is only by blending that you can create the perfect flavors and textures of great oil. Each of these varieties brings a different dynamic to the oil's flavor, mouthfeel, and aromatics.
We know from the grapes that 2023 was an exceptional growing season. For the oil the long gentle season punctuated by a warm (but not blisteringly hot) August gave the oil a very high polyphenol content and incredibly low free acidity (of only .06%). Typical EVOO must be less than .1%, so this is impressive.
The oil’s aromas are bright and lifted, reminiscent of a Tuscan oil, while perhaps a tad less aggressive and peppery. The mouthfeel really sets this oil apart, as it lush, smooth and expressive, with an incredibly long finish from the bright lemony acidity, fresh and dried herbs and almond skin. The oil adds brilliance to pasta dishes, vegetables and salads, only a squeeze of lemon and good sea salt is all any vegetables need. Enjoy this while it is super fresh, though it is good until 2026…