Winemaker Notes
Spear and Robert Rae vineyards create the dynamic duo for this wine. Spear receives morning warmth on its east facing sandy slope protected from the fierce oceanic westward afternoon winds. The fruit is plump, juicy and strategic in focus. Robert Rae is perched high above Santa Rosa road overlooking the entire Sta. Rita Hills from its intimate sunlight receiving west-facing clay-loam vista. The yield here is fierce and potent.
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
The 2021 Grenache (Sta. Rita Hills) is fabulous. A blend of Spear, Robert Rae and Peake Ranch, the Sta. Rita Hills are all nicely dialed up in this layered, resonant Grenache. All the elements are so well balanced. There's real depth and substance here.
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Wine Enthusiast
tine Carter 2021 Grenache (Sta. Rita Hills). Black cherry, strawberry compote, mace and cardamom team up for a fantastic nose on this bottling. The palate is very spicy and fresh, entertaining with flavors of ripe red fruit and hard spices while staying nimble
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Jeb Dunnuck
The appellation 2021 Grenache Sta. Rita Hills has a savory, underbrush, black cherry, and darker raspberry-driven perfume. This carries to a medium-bodied, silky, incredibly pure Grenache offering present yet ripe, silky tannins, no hard edges, and outstanding length. As with all the Grenache releases here, it's not about power or richness and is closer in style to Pinot Noir. It is, however, beautifully done in the style.
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.
A superior source of California Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills is the coolest, westernmost sub-region of the larger Santa Ynez Valley appellation within Santa Barbara County. This relatively new AVA is unquestionably one to keep an eye on.
The climate of Sta. Rita Hills is a natural match for Chardonnay and Pinot noir, thanks to the crisp ocean breezes and well-drained, limestone-rich calcareous soil. Here, grapes ripen just enough, while retaining brisk acidity and harmonious balance.