Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Baked red cherry, dried fennel, wild mint and riverbed aromas show on the nose of this bottling by Santa Barbara County-based Grenache specialist Angela Osborne. Marjoram, oregano and thyme all play on the nose, as do hints of cracked pepper, decorating the supple strawberry core. Strong tannins uphold the finish.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Pale ruby-purple colored, the 2015 Grenache Provisor Vineyard has pretty cherry cordial, fresh raspberries and baking spices notes with suggestions of violets and roses plus a waft of thyme. Medium-bodied with a chewy frame to support the pretty, perfumed red berry characters, it has lovely freshness and restraint.
Rating: 91+ -
Wine & Spirits
This is Angela Osborne’s second vintage from 3.5 acres of organically farmed grenache near Lytton Springs. She foot-treads the wine during fermentation, including 50 percent whole clusters, then ages it in neutral French oak. The wine emerges with the scent of violet candies and warm mulling spice, even as the flavors are savory, with red currant and strawberry notes and light bitter-almond tannins. Pour it as you might a Rioja garnacha, with aged Manchego cheese.
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.
A multifaceted and highly reputable sub-region of Sonoma, Dry Creek Valley is responsible for a wide range of wine styles—both red and white. One of the smallest AVAs in California, Dry Creek Valley has a winning combination of ideal geography and climate. Fertile, well-drained soils create concentrated varietal character while long, warm days, bookended by cool nights, allow grapes to reach full phenolic ripeness and balance. The warm and welcoming appellation is home to a number of family-owned vineyards and wineries that place a strong emphasis on sustainable farming practices.
Zinfandel reigns supreme here and still produces in a great number of very old vineyards—often 100 years old or older. These old vines create a powerful, voluptuous and sultry wine unlike those of any other region. Sauvignon Blanc, the valley’s signature white grape, also performs exceptionally well. Many other varieties grow comfortably here, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Syrah. Petite Sirah is often found in blends with Zinfandel.