Winemaker Notes
Very light red with swirls of black, a crimson robe and ruby hues. Aromas garrigue, black berries, sage, leather, cherries and granite. A refreshing bright fruity wine that you can drink all day. Delicious and spicy fruit surrounded by youthful tannins and bright acidity. The overlying presence of Cinsault and its playful nature create flavors that bring back memories of carefree days lounging in the south of France.
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
The 2020 Cinsault is a gorgeous, aromatic, mid-weight red. A rush of violet, rose petal, crushed berry and spice washes across the palate. Aging in cask preserves quite a bit of freshness and nuance. The 2020 is quite simply impossible to resist.
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Wine Enthusiast
This is not a wildly complex wine, but it is eminently drinkable. Lovely aromas of strawberry, carnation and rose petal on the nose lead into fresh and zesty flavors of strawberry, raspberry and pomegranate on the palate, with just enough dashing from the spice rack to keep it serious. Editors’ Choice.?
A charmer in the Southern Rhône Valley, Cinsault thrives in any hot and windy climate, and finds success in many other countries. It is a parent grape alongside Pinot Noir, of South Africa’s acclaimed red grape, Pinotage. Somm Secret—Given its relatively long history in California, Cinsualt is often “hidden” in the Zinfandel blends of Sonoma and Contra Costa Counties. Historically planted alongside Zinfandel (with Petite Sirah and Mourvedre) in the same vineyard, Cinsault is now an essential part of many “field blends.”
Today it is an integral part of the greater Santa Barbara County wine region, but at one time the village, Los Olivos, was a stop on the Wells Fargo stagecoach line.