Winemaker Notes
The cool, windy environment at JSV makes for Grenache with color, aroma, and freshness that’s off the charts. This 2022 John Sebastiano Grenache has all that despite the warm vintage, which seemed to enhance its charms.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2022 Grenache John Sebastiano Vineyard beautifully expresses what Central Coast Grenache is capable of if the right site is harvested at the right time and the wine is neither under-made nor over-made. It is aromatically beautiful from the first pour, combining classic, pure aromas of anise, white pepper, dried leather and dark fruit compote. The palate straddles a perfect midpoint between dense, plush richness and lifted, vibrant energy, transitioning into a long, lingering and nuanced finish with an impressively ethereal tannin structure. Rating: 94+
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.