Winemaker Notes
When selecting vineyards for Grenache Blanc, Clementine Carter seeks an intensity of character. For the 2022 vintage the duo of vineyards in this 100% Grenache Blanc blend provides a kinetic foundation to play off one another. Kimsey captures an energy akin to freshly candied citrus - grapefruit, lime and oranges all in one - and was carbonically fermented on the skins for 10 days. Tres Hermanas provides a lip-smacking briny-ness almost the foil to Kimsey's phenolics. Fermented in concrete egg for lifted aromatics and floral drive.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2022 Grenache Blanc was on skins for two weeks and matured in tank and concrete. It has pretty scents of quince, crème fraîche, toast and beeswax with spicy undertones. The medium-bodied palate is fresh and textural with generous, spicy flavors that make this great for drinking on its own, although it will pair widely at the table.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Orange blossom, exotic flowers, and honeyed mint are just some of the nuances in the 2022 Grenache Blanc, a medium-bodied blend of fruit from the Kimsey and Tres Hermanas vineyards. With good intensity, nicely integrated acidity, and a lengthy finish, it's going to be incredibly versatile on the dinner table. It's certainly singular.
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Wine Enthusiast
Apple and pearflesh aromas meet with a warm, fruity apricot note white pepper, potpourri, coriander and fresh-baked bread. Indeed
Producing full-bodied white wines, Grenache Blanc can be unctuous and soft or floral and fresh. Some of the finest examples are terroir-driven, age-worthy wines. It is a key ingredient in white Châteauneuf-du-Pape and many white blends across southern France and NE Spain. Somm Secret—Grenache Blanc plays a key role in the vins doux naturels of Rivesaltes and a subsidiary role in those of Banyuls and Maury.
With a dry and mild climate cooled significantly by moist ocean fog and breezes, Santa Barbara County is a grape-grower’s dream. Part of the larger Central Coast appellation, Santa Barbara is home to Santa Maria Valley and Santa Ynez Valley. The conditions here provide an opportunity for nearly effortless production of high-quality cool-climate Central Coast wines. This is also the site of the 2004 film Sideways, which caused Pinot Noir’s popularity to skyrocket and brought new acclaim to the region.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the stars of Santa Barbara, producing wines marked by racy acidity. Crisp Sauvignon Blanc and savory Syrah are also important. The region is home to many young and enthusiastic winemakers eager to experiment with less common varieties including Chenin Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Trousseau Gris, Gamay and Cabernet Franc, making it an exciting area to watch.