Winemaker Notes
Gypsy has become a favorite in the tasting room due to its approachable medium bodied palate, fresh fruit quality and smooth long finish. On the nose are inviting aromas of strawberry, black cherry, dried herbs, cinnamon, vanilla, caramel and nutmeg. Bright red fruit flavors, vanilla and baking spices grace the palate.
FOOD PAIRING:
Lighter, approachable and ready to drink now, the 2016 Gypsy will pair beautifully with blackened salmon, ribs, burgers and pork chops.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2016 Gypsy is an interesting blend of 36% Cinsault, 30% Counoise, 21% Mourvèdre, and 13% Grenache from the Rodney’s and Camp Four Vineyards. Kirsch, red and black cherries, leafy herbs, herbes de Provence, and subtle floral notes all flow to a medium-bodied, silky, seductive beauty that has no hard edges, a light texture, and tons of upfront appeal. Drink it over the coming 4-5 years.
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Wine Enthusiast
Always one of this winery's best bang-for-buck bottlings, this blend of 36% Cinsaut, 30% Counoise, 21% Mourvèdre and 13% Grenache is extremely fresh, starting with aromas of strawberry, star anise, hickory and white pepper. The palate is juicy, spicy with pepper and zesty with acid, so chill it down slightly and drink up.
Editor's Choice
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Gypsy Proprietary Red is made up of 36% Cinsault, 30% Counoise, 21% Mourvèdre and 13% Grenache. Pale to medium ruby in color, it is scented of baked red cherries, red licorice and dark chocolate-covered cherries with hints of blueberries and fried herbs—pretty, tricolored fruits. The palate is medium to full-bodied with ripe, juicy fruits, soft tannins and a long, fruity finish.
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.
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.