Winemaker Notes
A medium-bodied red with raspberry kirsch, fresh thyme, strawberry jam, black pepper, and green tea on the nose. Lush and velvety on the palate with rich red fruit, cream-sickle, thyme, orange peel, green and pink peppercorn. Bright but rich. Very fine tannins
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Lane Tanner, the first independent female winemaker in Santa Barbara County history, is applying her Pinot Noir acumen to Grenache, with great results. This bright and fresh bottling, from the biodynamic grapes at Martian Ranch, begins with beautiful aromas of raspberry, hibiscus and rose petal on the nose before the tightly woven yet generously flavorful palate unleashes waves of plum, berry and peppery herbs.
Editors' Choice
Grenache thrives in any warm, Mediterranean climate where ample sunlight allows its clusters to achieve full phenolic ripeness. While Grenache's birthplace is Spain (there called Garnacha), today it is more recognized as the key player in the red blends of the Southern Rhône, namely Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône and its villages. Somm Secret—The Italian island of Sardinia produces bold, rustic, single varietal Grenache (there called Cannonau). California, Washington and Australia have achieved found success with Grenache, both flying solo and in blends.
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.