Winemaker Notes
Blend: 44% Grenache, 36% Syrah, 12% Mourvèdre, 5% Counoise, 3% Cinsaut
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
The 2016 M5, Margerum's Grenache/Syrah-based wine, is lifted and gracious, with generous Grenache red-toned fruit leading the way. Medium in body and understated, the 2016 finishes with terrific energy and verve.
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2016 M5 checks in as a blend of 44% Grenache, 36% Syrah, 12% Mourvèdre, 5% Counoise, 3% Cinsault that was brought up in neutral oak. This deep ruby/purple-tinged effort is a medium to full-bodied, ripe, beautifully textured effort that has rock star notes of black cherries, black raspberries, scorched earth, and peppery herbs. Incredibly charming, with notable purity and a great texture, drink it over the coming 4-6 years.
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Wine Spectator
Sleek and precise, with raspberry and garrigue aromas and refined cherry, licorice and savory pepper flavors. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Counoise and Cinsault. Drink now through 2026.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A blend of 42% Grenache, 36% Syrah, 14% Mourvèdre, 4% Counoise and 4% Cinsault that's reminiscent of a good Côtes du Rhône, the 2016 M5 opens in the glass with aromas of smoky black cherry, blackberry, spice, cassis and dried flowers. On the palate, it's juicy, medium to full-bodied and supple, with a sweet core of dark fruit, good length and a youthfully primary finish.
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.
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.