Winemaker Notes
Blend: 67% Syrah, 33% Grenache
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2015 Pure Yum checks in as a blend of 67% Syrah and 33% Grenache. It has a Southern Rhône-like exuberance and decadence as well as loads of black cherry fruits, melted licorice, and charred meat aromas and flavors. It's aptly named and is unquestionable pure yum. Drink this ripe, full-bodied red over the coming 3-5 years.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A Syrah-based blend, the 2015 #PureYum gives a medium garnet-purple color and notes of black cherries, warm plums and baked blueberries with tons of exotic spices, bacon fat and hoisin suggestions in the background. Big, fleshy, full-bodied and with a firm backbone of rounded tannins, it has plenty of freshness and a long, spice-laced finish.
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Wine Spectator
Expressive and well-built, with black raspberry, sandalwood and crushed stone notes that take on momentum toward refined tannins. Syrah and Grenache. Drink now through 2026.
California is a winemaking colossus; by itself it is the fourth largest producer in the world. Red wine accounts for 56% of the total by volume, and red grapes 63% of total acres planted. In addition, a number of California red wines are heralded as being among the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world.
While the state’s incredibly diverse geography, soils and microclimates allow for a wide array of styles, the key factor unifying California red wine is the abundance of sunshine and a long, consistent growing season. This leads to well-developed fruit marked both by impressive ripeness and balancing acidity.
The state’s most famous red wine region, of course, is Napa Valley, where Cabernet Sauvignon reigns as king. But California boasts a wealth of other impressive appellations. The much larger and climatically varied Sonoma County also produces world class California Cabernet, along with wonderful examples of California Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.
Fine versions of Cabernet and Zinfandel hail from Paso Robles as well, which is also gaining fame with Rhone varietals like Syrah and Grenache. As for Pinot Noir, terrific examples can be found from AVA’s such as Anderson Valley, Carneros, Santa Lucia Highlands and Sta. Rita Hills. Wineries in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are making wonderful Syrahs, and the Sierra Foothill appellations are proving to be an experimental hotbed, with Italian and Spanish varietals employed to great effect.
This of course is a mere sketch. The subject of California red wine is as deep and broad as an ocean, and absolutely a joy to explore!