Winemaker Notes
This rich red is a blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. Once again, this long vintage favored the later ripening Grenache and Mourvèdre that makes up the largest part of this blend, so this bottling ranks among the best Espérance that we have ever released. All the extra groundwork that now makes up their standard operating practices help to yield a rich, medium-bodied wine with aromas and flavors of ultra-ripe strawberries, black cherries, blood orange, and tart raspberries, mixed in with the spiciness of forest-floor, cinnamon and vanilla and other baking spices from the 10% new French Oak employed in the 18 month élevage. Though this wine will benefit with 1-5 years of further bottle aging, it is immensely drinkable right now with balanced tannins and a long finish.
Blend: 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre,15% Syrah
Professional Ratings
-
James Suckling
This GSM blend dominated by grenache is super smooth and seemingly light on the palate while technically full-bodied and rich. Subtle tannins from 20% mourvedre and 15% syrah grapes give a bit of grip to the texture, enhancing the generous raspberry, blackberry and cocoa flavors that expand as you sip. Lingering finish.
-
Vinous
The 2021 Espérance is laced with dark cherry, leather, spice, mint and dried flowers. This Grenache/Mourvèdre/Syrah is quite the charmer. The balance of forward fruit and the brightness of the year makes for a compelling, engaging red.
Range: 91-93 -
Jeb Dunnuck
The 2021 Espérance is based on 65% Grenache with the balance Mourvedre and Syrah, aged 18 months in used French oak. It has a juicy Côtes du Rhône-like nosed of spicy red and black fruits, peppery herbs, and spice. This carries to medium-bodied red with a round, layered mouthfeel, plenty of richness and depth, a good spine of acidity, and outstanding length. It's an undeniably delicious, balanced red that will shine over the coming 4-6 years or so.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
Ranging from cool and foggy in the west to warm and dry in the east, the Santa Ynez Valley is a climatically diverse growing area. The most expansive AVA within the larger Santa Barbara County region, Santa Ynez is also home to a wide variety of soil types and geographical features. The appellation is further divided into four distinct sub-AVAs—Sta. Rita Hills, Ballard Canyon, Los Olivos District and Happy Canyon—each with its own defining characteristics.
A wide selection of grapes is planted here—more than sixty different varieties, and counting. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir dominate in the chilly west, while Zinfandel, Rhône blends, and Bordeaux blends rule the arid east. Syrah is successful at both ends of the valley, with a lean and peppery, Old-World sensibility closer to the coast and lush berry fruit further inland.