Ojai John Sebastiano Vineyard Syrah Grenache Sans Soufre 2018
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Robert
Parker -
Jeb
Dunnuck -
Wilfred
Wong
Product Details
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Winemaker Notes
The 2018 Ojai John Sebastiano Vineyard Syrah Grenache Sans Soufre is comprised of equal parts Grenache and Syrah. Without sulfites used ay any stage, this wine offers a wholly different sense of juicy texture and openness, Flavors roll forward with the ease of a longing unfurling rug. The flavor impact is powerful but creamy, rounded, and it paves the way for plush purply waves of cassis and mulberry, then a smoky crackle of pepper, roasted herbs and allspice.
The power of fruit, moderate alcohol and near absence of tannin makes for a great drink alongside fiery al pastor or well smoked brisket.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Medium to deep ruby-purple, the 2018 Sans Soufre Ajoute John Sebastiano is scented of crushed blackberries, aniseed, blood orange peel and floral accents. The medium to full-bodied palate is bright, fresh and lifted with great energy and layering, and it finishes long.
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Jeb Dunnuck
An even split of Grenache and Syrah that was bottled with no added SO2, the 2018 Ajoute John Sebastiano Vineyard Sans Soufre has that more rounded, supple style that's common in Sans Soufre wines as well as plenty of plummy, red, and black fruits, violets, and ground pepper notes. It shows more meaty Syrah character on the palate and has light tannins, good complexity, and outstanding length. I'm always leery of aging these wines, yet I'm confident this will evolve for at least 2-4 years.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
The 2018 Ojai John Sebastiano Vineyard Sans Soufre Syrah Grenache is an attractive, smooth, and pleasurable red. TASTING NOTES: This wine is bright and a delight to drink. Pair its lively fruit with oven-roasted game birds. (Tasted: January 14, 2020, San Francisco, CA)
Other Vintages
2017-
Robert
Parker -
Wilfred
Wong -
Wine &
Spirits -
Jeb
Dunnuck
Adam had planted a vineyard in Ojai to Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc and had begun producing wine from that fruit in 1983. When the collaboration with Clendenen ended he concentrated all his attention on The Ojai Vineyard to further explore the infinite details of his craft.
Looking back over the last 25 years, one can see the development of The Ojai Vineyard came in three distinct phases. In the beginning it was lots of fun discovering the budding Santa Barbara County, experimenting with new plantings, new areas, and a wide selection of varietals; Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and other Rhone varietals. Back in 1983 the vines were grown without much care in what was called a California sprawl. It took years to get growers to move towards progressive practices like drip irrigation and vertical trellising to improved wine grape quality.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
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.