Winemaker Notes
Blend: 65% Grenache, 35% Syrah
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
The dominant 65% Grenache component makes for a pretty nose of black raspberry, candied berries and elegant violet petals. Thanks to the 35% Syrah, boysenberry, bright strawberry and light raspberry notes meet with darker hibiscus and stronger lavender and savory herbs de provence on the palate.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A 240 case blend of 65% Grenache and 35% Syrah, the 2012 Grizzly offers a tight, fresh bouquet of Bing cherry, raspberry, watermelon, flowers and peppery herbs. This gives way to medium-bodied, fresh, lively wine that has bright acidity and a clean, classy finish. There’s a suppleness to the texture that keeps it thoroughly enjoyable, and I suspect acid lovers will like this even more than me.
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 rugged and topographically diverse cool-climate appellation with a rich history, the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA stretches from Half Moon Bay, just south of San Francisco, to the northern border of Monterey County. Elevations range from 800 feet to upwards of 3,000 and microclimates vary substantially depending on which side of the mountains the vineyards lie; cool ocean winds and fog play an important role here. This can be a challenging region in which to grow grapes, but it is well worth the effort. Santa Cruz Mountains wines are noted for balanced acidity levels, often showing great aging potential. Wine has been made here since the 1800s, most notably from the legendary Ridge Vineyards, whose Monte Bello vineyard garners international admiration.
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are the stars of this region, while Merlot and Zinfandel also perform quite well. Organic and sustainable vineyard practices are becoming increasingly common.