Winemaker Notes
The Grenache is aged in 500L puncheon barrels which allows for less oxygen to oxidize the wine, keeping it fresh and bright while slowing the aging process. Syrah contributes darker fruit flavors and structure while Grenache brightens the blend and adds red fruit characteristics. Structure and acidity makes this a wine you can age.
Pairing Revelation with grilled meats is a given but enjoying it with slow cooked roasts of pork or lamb is equally delicious.
Blend: 54% Grenache, 46% Syrah
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
The 2018 Revelation Rodney's Vineyard is a powerful, heady wine. Black cherry, spice, menthol, licorice, chocolate and lavender all open in the glass. This deep, fleshy red packs plenty of punch. I find this to be a bit heavy for a Grenache-based wine.
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2018 Rodney's Vineyard Revelation is 54% Grenache and 46% Syrah, all destemmed, and aged 20 months in 43% new French oak. It shows the purity of the vintage and has a clean, elegant, medium-bodied style as well as ample kirsch and blackberry fruit, notes of peppery herbs and flower, a good spine of acidity, and outstanding length.
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.