Winemaker Notes
White gold hues. An exotic array of white flowers like honeysuckle and citrus blossom mix with white and yellow stone fruits like apricots and nectarines. Lively nuances of honeycomb, almond, white cake and freshly chopped herbs. Both lively and weighty with a very full and circular impression. Energetic and layered with the white and yellow stone fruit tastes magnified. Very pleasurable and fascinating wine that many palates will absolutely adore.
Blend: 44% Grenache Blanc, 28% Marsanne, 12% Roussanne, 10% Viognier, 6% Picpoul Blanc
Professional Ratings
-
Vinous
The 2023 White Blend M5 is a gorgeous, highly expressive white from Doug Margerum. This blend of Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier and Picpoul works so well, as the varieties are wonderfully complementary. Lemon peel, white flowers, mint, chamomile and light pastry notes build effortlessly.
-
James Suckling
A white Rhone-style blend that's rich and smooth, indulgent in butterscotch and caramel flavors at first sip. Backed by good acidity and even a touch of tannin, with a medium body and a lingering finish. Mineral, chalk and lemon zest accents bring balance to the palate.
-
Wine Spectator
Bright up front, offering citrus peel and wildflower honey tones against apple, peach and kiwi flavors, with subtly rich spiced pastry midplate. Finishes on a clean note. Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier and Picpoul. Drink now. 710 cases made.
Full-bodied and flavorful, white Rhône blends originate from France’s Rhône Valley. Today these blends are also becoming popular in other regions. Typically some combination of Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier form the basis of a white Rhône blend with varying degrees of flexibility depending on the exact appellation. Somm Secret—In the Northern Rhône, blends of Marsanne and Roussanne are common but the south retains more variety. Marsanne, Roussanne as well as Bourboulenc, Clairette, Picpoul and Ugni Blanc are typical.
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.