Winemaker Notes
The 2018 Amor Fati Grenache presents a distinctive cool-climate expression of this classic Rhône variety. Aromas of dark kirsch with hints of garrigue and orange peel dance in the glass. The palate explodes with dark berry flavors that cascade along a rich, soft texture. This small-batch Grenache was passionately crafted in an elegant and refined style, allowing for layers of pure fruit expression and complexity, all finishing with restrained balance.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
A dense and yet immensely fresh boysenberry aroma meets with violet and lavender on the inviting nose of this bottling, which should please whether one seeks power or elegance. It lands with a lush coating on the palate, where baked berry flavors are lifted by rose petal, mace and lively, persistent acidity.
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 lesser-known but elite AVA within the larger Santa Barbara district, the Santa Maria Valley AVA runs precisely west to east starting near the coast. The valley funnels cool, Pacific Ocean air to the vineyards more inland, allowing grapes a longer hang time to ripen evenly and achieve their full potential by harvest time. Combined with minimal rainfall, consistent warm sunshine, and well-drained soils, it is an ideal environment for grape growing.
Many of the wineries here are small and highly respected, having established a reputation in the 1970s and 80s for producing excellent Central Coast wines like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. More recently, Syrah has also proven quite successful in the region. Many vineyards are owned by growers who sell their grapes to other wineries, so it is common to see the same vineyard name on bottlings from different wineries. Bien Nacido Vineyard is perhaps the best-known and most prestigious.