Jaffurs Grenache 2012
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Wine
Enthusiast -
Robert
Parker
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Wine Enthusiast
Clean and tight aromas of strawberry essence mesh with dried violets, rose petals, star anise and clove on this engaging while classically profiled bottling. It's light and lively on the palate, with tons of bright red fruit and cinnamon spice, showing cranberry tang in the midpalate and the structural bones to hold up its energetic game for years.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Already approachable and ready to go, the light ruby-colored 2012 Grenache is one of the better examples of this lighter, more perfumed style of Grenache that's so common in California. Showing lots of kirsch, rose petal, candle wax and floral notes, it's medium to full-bodied, voluptuous, supple and sexy, with a sweet core of fruit. Made from 100% Grenache, 80% destemmed and aged 18 months in used French oak, I suspect it will evolve nicely over the coming 4-6 years given its overall balance and harmony.
Grenache thrives in any warm, Mediterranean climate where ample sunlight allows its clusters to achieve full phenolic ripeness. While Grenache's birthplace is Spain (there called Garnacha), today it is more recognized as the key player in the red blends of the Southern Rhône, namely Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône and its villages. Somm Secret—The Italian island of Sardinia produces bold, rustic, single varietal Grenache (there called Cannonau). California, Washington and Australia have achieved found success with Grenache, both flying solo and in blends.
With a dry and mild climate cooled significantly by moist ocean fog and breezes, Santa Barbara County is a grape-grower’s dream. Part of the larger Central Coast appellation, Santa Barbara is home to Santa Maria Valley and Santa Ynez Valley. The conditions here provide an opportunity for nearly effortless production of high-quality cool-climate Central Coast wines. This is also the site of the 2004 film Sideways, which caused Pinot Noir’s popularity to skyrocket and brought new acclaim to the region.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the stars of Santa Barbara, producing wines marked by racy acidity. Crisp Sauvignon Blanc and savory Syrah are also important. The region is home to many young and enthusiastic winemakers eager to experiment with less common varieties including Chenin Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Trousseau Gris, Gamay and Cabernet Franc, making it an exciting area to watch.