Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
A wine that always seems to over deliver, the 2015 Cuvee le Bec (43% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 14% Mourvèdre and 8% Counoise aged 16 months in 10% new French oak) presents a vibrant ruby color along with a crisp, pure bouquet of blackberries, blueberries, violets and pepper. Elegant, silky and layered, it's certainly the most elegant, though concentrated, vintage of this cuvée I've tasted.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A blend of 43% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 14% Mourvèdre and 8% Counoise, the 2015 Cuvée le Bec has a medium garnet-purple color and is scented of cherry pie, raspberry preserves and spice cake with hints of potpourri, baking spices and black pepper. Full-bodied and decadently fruited in the mouth, the spicy red berry preserves flavors are well-framed by rounded tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and peppery.
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.