We’ve been producing two Sonoma County olive oils from non-contiguous properties for the last ten years. We’ve found it gratifying (and delicious) to explore the different flavor possibilities that distinct orchards (that is our own Estate site and the trees, located ten miles away, that provide fruit for our Occidental Blend bottling) present due to their distinct varietal compositions and micro-climatic particularities. While our Estate trees are comprised exclusively of Tuscan varietals, olives of diverse origins (including Spanish Mission, Ligurian Taggiasca, Israeli Barnea, French Picholine among others) inform our Occidental Blend.

Notwithstanding the respective varietal compositions of our two bottlings, we have fostered a harvest strategy for both oils that emphasizes milling olives when they are overwhelmingly green i.e. before there is much evidence of verasion in the fruit. Within the taste realm of fruit driven, high chlorophyll oils, our two bottlings have generally lived pretty proximate to each other on the taste continuum. The Occidental blend reliably tends to present delightful green spirited fruit, but has generally been softer on the palate than its Estate Tuscan cousin.

The 2024 Estate Tuscan is very true to its historical model with its deep jade green color, appley/artichokey perfume and lively tannic contour. While the Occidental Blend isn’t a radical departure, it’s fair to say that the two oils are discerningly more distinct than they’ve been in past years. A somewhat later harvest of the Occidental Blend olives yielded an oil that is more golden green and notably more olivey, even buttery, on the palate.

Given how we’ve always appreciated how having oils in our pantry with slightly different taste expressions allows us to foster more nuanced cooking outcomes, we’re excited to put these two oils to work. We think that you’ll share our enthusiasm for how they can make just about anything taste better.

https://singer.wine/product/2024-singer-tuscan-blend-olive-oil