Winemaker Notes
With an earth-inflected fruity aroma that fills the glass like vapor. Imagine the scents that might greet a bartender muddling mixed berries (heavy on the raspberry) with a hint of kirsch, lavender and allspice- this expands outward, and that juicy berry medley fleshes out a supple, easy-going palate that closes with spicy tannin. It can be paired with most of what you can pair Pinot Noir with but also wuth things a bit rich for pinot, like pasta or jambalaya. Though all by itself is very nice too!
Professional Ratings
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Wine & Spirits
This charming, aromatic red smells almost Italianate in its scents of tar, rose petals and raspberries. It’s light and sleek, with juicy red-berry flavor and lots of acidity; it’d pair nicely with pot roast.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Made in a more elegant, lightly textured style, not far from a Pinot Noir, the 2016 Grenache John Sebastiano comes from a site on the eastern side of the Sta. Rita Hills and was brought up in neutral barrels. It’s incredibly floral, with notes of blueberries, black cherries, peppery herbs, and spice, and it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, an elegant texture, and moderate tannins.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
ossibly one of my favorite vintages of this cuvee from Adam, the 2014 Grenache John Sebastiano Vineyard (100% Grenache aged 15 months in neutral oak) offers upfront, layered, ripe notes of framboise, Bing cherry and flowers in a medium-bodied, rounded and generous style that has more texture and richness than previous vintages. Drink it over the coming 4-6 years.
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.
A superior source of California Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills is the coolest, westernmost sub-region of the larger Santa Ynez Valley appellation within Santa Barbara County. This relatively new AVA is unquestionably one to keep an eye on.
The climate of Sta. Rita Hills is a natural match for Chardonnay and Pinot noir, thanks to the crisp ocean breezes and well-drained, limestone-rich calcareous soil. Here, grapes ripen just enough, while retaining brisk acidity and harmonious balance.