In Episode #23 of Vino Frankel: A Taste of Sculpterra, Paul Frankel is joined by Darren Brown and Will Barnaby of Central Coast Lending for a wide-ranging conversation that blends wine chemistry, vineyard updates, and the intersection of finance and the wine industry.

The episode opens with winery and vineyard updates, including recent rainfall totals, dormant vine conditions, delayed budbreak due to cold soil temperatures, and preparations to plant 10,000 new Cabernet Sauvignon vines. Paul also discusses wines completing malolactic fermentation, setting up a deeper educational breakdown later in the show.

In The World of Wine & Finance, Will shares perspective from the lending world, discussing broader market conditions and how financing plays a role in vineyard and winery operations. While he openly notes he’s not a wine investment expert, the conversation explores how real estate, agriculture, and long-term planning intersect within the Paso Robles wine region.

Darren Brown then dives into Pinot Noir, covering its history, structure, and why it remains one of the most expressive and challenging grape varieties to produce well.

During the Nerd Out on Wine segment, Paul explains malolactic fermentation — what it is, how it works, and why winemakers use it to soften acidity, improve mouthfeel, and enhance stability in many red wines.

The episode also includes upcoming Sculpterra events, a lighthearted TMI segment about Paul’s Greek heritage, and a Mailbag discussion tackling questions about winery sustainability and long-term vision.

The show wraps with a tasting of two vintages of Sculpterra Pinot Noir, offering a side-by-side look at how vintage conditions shape the final wine.

🍷 Wines Tasted

2023 Sculpterra Pinot Noir

2022 Sculpterra Pinot Noir

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