Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
The 2023 Grenache (Santa Ynez Valley) is all estate fruit from Purisima Mountain Vineyard. It's so fleshy and vibrant, leaning into its buzzy, tingly acids in a full-bodied style that is undeniably attractive. Raspberry, kirsch, blood orange and tobacco build in the glass. It's a very flashy wine, but there's nothing about this that's overdone. The finish echoes impressively long, leaving a ringing overtone of rose petal. This is ready to rock today.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Made from 100% Grenache (Alban, 363, and Tablas clones), the 2023 Grenache Santa Ynez Valley offers up ripe red fruits, framboise, savory strawberries, white pepper, and spice. Medium-bodied and elegant on the palate, it has fine tannins, juicy fruit, and a balanced, elegant profile. It's a delicious and satisfying Grenache to enjoy over the coming 4-6 years. Drink 2025-2031.
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Wine Enthusiast
Cinnamon and mace spices kick up the wild raspberry and dark strawberry aromas on the nose of this bottling. The palate is bold and fruity with boysenberry, lilac and lavender flavors most prevalent.
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.
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.