Winemaker Notes
The entry on the palate is rich, dark-fruited, and laced with savory herbs. Then you find a lively interplay between glossy fruit and spicy tannin that lengthens the wine, leaving notes of sweet raspberry, pomegranate candy, and bloomed spices. Right now, once it’s fully aerated this wine is yummy as can be, but some cellaring will make this an indelible experience of Grenache.
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2019 Ojai Vineyard John Sebastiano Vineyard Grenache is a dynamite expression of this grape variety. TASTING NOTES: This wine offers aromas and flavors of fresh and focused raspberries. Pair it with lamb kebabs with a slightly spicy sauce. (Tasted: April 9, 2022, San Francisco, CA)
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.