Winemaker Notes
This site's Grenache-ness is intense, 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 hit 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 with things a bit rich for pinot, like pastor or jambalaya. Though all by itself is very nice too!
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Medium ruby-purple, the 2018 Grenache John Sebastiano Vineyard offers up bright raspberries, licorice, orange oil and dried flowers on the nose. Medium-bodied, it floods the mouth with juicy, peppery flavors, pleasantly chalky and fresh and finishing long and nuanced. It manages to stay on the lighter side structurally while packing in the powerful fruit.
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Jeb Dunnuck
The Pinot Noir-like 2018 Grenache John Sebastiano Vineyard comes from a great site on the eastern end of the Sta. Rita Hills and was two-thirds destemmed and brought up in mostly neutral oak. This medium-bodied, elegant, downright pretty Grenache has lots of red fruits (strawberries, raspberries), a touch of peppery stems, medium body, and a great finish. It's a Grenache for the cool-climate and Pinot Noir lovers out there.
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.