Winemaker Notes
Bright ruby red with notes of black and crimson color. Aromas of blackberries, Santa Barbara garrigue, sage, leather, cherries and granite. A refreshing, highly gulpable, and 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 creates flavors and aromas that remind you of the rustic country sides and cuisine in the south of France.
Blend: 77% Cinsault, 23% Syrah
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This showcase of Rhône freshness, with 23% Syrah added, is always one of the most coveted and fastest-selling bottlings for Doug Margerum. Very light in the glass, it hits the nose with engaging aromas of strawberry, cherry, hibiscus, white pepper and clean ash. The palate grips with chalky glee, delivering raspberry, pomegranate and cranberry flavors.
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Vinous
Tasted from tank the day before bottling, the 2021 Cinsault is silky, perfumed and exceptionally beautiful. Crushed red berry fruit, cranberry, blood orange, mint and white pepper are beautifully lifted. Bright acids lend energy and tension throughout
Barrel Sample: 91-92
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.