Winemaker Notes
The cherry kirsch Grenache comes through on the nose, along with the brooding notes of Syrah and the deep black fruit of the Mourvèdre. A classic signature of Gabilan Mountains fruit is the intensity and depth of the fruit along with a vein of minerality/crushed rock presence. Intense and powerful with a brash and youthful expression which will melt into a seductive silkiness and depth with age.
Blend: 39% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 26% Mourvèdre
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Ripe cherries, gamey strawberries, peppery herbs, and floral, orange tea-like notions all emerge from the 2018 Gabilan Mountains GSM, another medium-bodied, nicely balanced, elegant, and seamless wine that has a youthful vibe and will benefit from 2-3 years in the cellar.
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.
A geographic and climatic paradise for grape vines, Monterey is a part of the greater Central Coast AVA and contains within it five smaller sub-appellations, including Arroyo Seco, San Lucas, San Bernabe, Hames Valley and the famous Santa Lucia Highlands. The climate is relatively warm but tempered by cool, coastal winds, allowing the regions in Monterey County an exceptionally long growing season. Bud break often happens two weeks sooner and harvest tends to be two weeks later compared to other surrounding regions.
Monterey’s coastal side, where the cooling ocean fog allows grapes to develop a perfect sugar-acid balance, excels in the production of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling. Warmer, inland subzones are home to fleshy, concentrated and full-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Zinfandel.
Chardonnay, covering about 40% of vineyard acreage, is the most widely planted grape in all of Monterey County.