After years of petitioning, frontier growers John Peterson and Saul Ramirez were awarded appellation status for their vineyards out on the far Mendocino coast. Comptche is defined by its low lying elevation (300-400') and proximity to the nearby Pacific Ocean (14mi) with it's damp fog and cool air. The proximate Albion Wind Gap channels the ocean influence into the coastal valleys. Densely forested, extremely remote, and alive with black bears, bald eagles and steelhead—this is wilderness wine. The wines remind us of the premier deep-end sites in the nearby Anderson Valley—shot through with dark berries, blue florals, and coniferous—but for half the price. New frontiers often bring value so go ahead and join the pioneer party!