Winemaker Notes
This wine shows dark blue and purple hues, with bright aromas of fresh dark berries layered over rustic notes of saddle leather, Santa Barbara garrigue, and wild sage. On the palate, it offers refreshing and vibrant black fruits with a plush, round, and delicious character. The full, rich mouthfeel and lively freshness evoke the charm of Beaujolais, making it a natural companion to Mediterranean cuisine.
Blend: 84% Cinsault, 14% Syrah, 2% Grenache
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
A gorgeous expression of the variety, the 2023 Cinsault Margerum Estate Vineyard is based on 84% Cinsault with 14% Syrah and 2% Grenache, all from their estate vineyard in Los Olivos. Subtle red fruits, sandalwood, white pepper, and herbes de Provence define the aromatics, and it's medium-bodied, seamless, ultra-fine, and balanced on the palate. Fermented with whole berries then aged 10 months in various cask sizes, it's just about impossible to resist.
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Vinous
The 2023 Cinsault is a total delight. Floral, lifted and wonderfully pure, the 2023 offers terrific immediacy and tons of charm. Hard candy, purplish fruit, lavender, mint and sweet spice all grace this understated yet juicy Cinsault. Silky tannins wrap it all together in style. There's a lot of wine here.
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Wine Spectator
Svelte in style and loaded with floral huckleberry and cherry aromas and flavors that are lively and juicy. Notes of masala chai fold in on the expressive finish.
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.