Winemaker Notes
Inspiration is red Rhône blend inspired by the outstanding blends produced out of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region in Southeastern France. It's an approachable wine with a medium body, fresh fruit characteristics and smooth finish. On the nose you'll find inviting aromas of strawberry, black cherry, dried herbs, cinnamon, vanilla, caramel and nutmeg. Bright red fruit flavors, vanilla and baking spices grace the palate.
Inspiration Red will pair well with a wide variety of foods, from grilled steak & lamb, to stews and rich seafood dishes.
Blend: 36% Grenache, 30% Cinsaut, 28% Mourvedre, 6% Counoise
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
The dark wood and chaparral aromas on the nose of this blend of 36% Grenache, 30% Cinsault, 28% Mourvèdre and 6% Counoise pair with dried cherry and pepper dust elements, making for a spicy, savory show. The lighter Rhône grapes involved allow the palate to pop that pepper-crusted meat flavor atop a refreshing, medium-bodied frame, full of berry and cherry flavors.
Editors' Choice -
Vinous
The 2021 Inspiration, Epiphany's white blend, is classy, polished and wonderfully elegant. Lemon confit, citrus, white flowers, mint, tangerine peel and bright mineral accents all come together in this tasty and distinctive white.
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.