Winemaker Notes
Vibrant garnet red in color, the 2022 Margerum Santa Barbara Grenache is chock full of wild red brambleberries and dried herbs with intriguing subtle hints of white flowers, baking spices, cured meats and minerals. Wonderfully bejeweled and balanced with loads of luscious red and blue fruits, minerals, and dried herbs. Mouth coating yet fresh and vibrant with subtle savory hints of dried flowers and baking spices. Great structure and finish with plenty of verve for a long evolution.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This is a lush style of Grenache, starting with appealing aromas of black raspberry, loads of purple flower and a spicy cardamom kick. The palate stays light on its feet, while delivering ripe flavors of blackberry cream soda, chai spice and hibiscus tea.
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Vinous
The 2022 Grenache (Santa Barbara County) is another absolute delight in this range. Aromatic, vibrant and sculpted, the 2022 captures so much varietal character in the racy style that is such a Margerum signature. Crushed flowers, red/purplish fruit and a kick of blood orange linger.
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Wine Spectator
Lilting and vibrant, with zesty raspberry, smoked pepper and garrigue accents that build richness toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2032.
Grenache thrives in any warm, Mediterranean climate where ample sunlight allows its clusters to achieve full phenolic ripeness. While Grenache's birthplace is Spain (there called Garnacha), today it is more recognized as the key player in the red blends of the Southern Rhône, namely Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône and its villages. Somm Secret—The Italian island of Sardinia produces bold, rustic, single varietal Grenache (there called Cannonau). California, Washington and Australia have achieved found success with Grenache, both flying solo and in blends.
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.