Winemaker Notes
Farmed on the Adams Ranch Vineyard in the Willow Creek District AVA in Paso Robles. It spent 19 months in 70% new French oak. 50% Whole Cluster Syrah, 100% Destemmed Grenache and Cinsaut and 100% whole cluster Roussanne.
Blend: 56% Syrah, 29% Grenache, 11% Cinsault, and 4% Roussanne
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2020 Adams Ranch Vineyard checks in as blend of 56% Syrah, 29% Grenache, 11% Cinsault, and 4% Roussanne with the Syrah 50% destemmed, the Roussanne not destemmed, and the rest completely destemmed. It spent 19 months in 70% new French oak. Ripe red and black fruits, ground pepper, barbecue smoke, and leafy herb notes all emerge on the nose, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a round, supple mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a good finish. There are some clear smoky influences here, both on the nose and the palate, but the tannins are polished and integrated, it has good mid-palate depth, and solid character. I would drink it in its youth.
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.
Growing on high elevation bedrock slopes, the vineyards of Paso Robles Willow Creek AVA sit at between 960 and 1,900 feet in elevation.