Winemaker Notes
Aromas of fresh raspberries, dried figs, crushed violets, and hazelnut are followed by mouth-filling flavors of black cherry, plums, blueberries, and milk chocolate ganache. On the palate, the wine is medium to light-bodied with balanced acidity followed by a hint of vanilla on the finish, making it an exceptionally food-friendly wine.
Blend: 69% Grenache, 31% Syrah
Professional Ratings
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Tasting Panel
Charred oak and chewy teeth gipping cedar tannins make this delicious blend of 51% Syrah and 49% Cabernet Sauvignon all the more intriguing Tobacco leaf and soy sauce contribute a savory component, while black fruit tempers the wine's robust and. yes, complicated persona.
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Wine Enthusiast
This is a great everyday sipper for a fair price. Aromas of crisp raspberry, potpourri and rocky earth lead from the nose to a tight and bright sip, where red currant, sumac and red flower flavors align.
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.