Winemaker Notes
Aromas of ripe blueberry, bacon fat, tar, and spice from the Syrah, compliment the dried strawberry and floral aromas of early-harvest Grenache. The chewy mouthfeel and deep aromas of this Southern-inspired dark red is the perfect answer to a roast leg of lamb, carnitas from your favorite Abuelita , or a charcoal-grilled Santa Barbara tri-tip steak.
Inspired by the dark, inky reds of the South of France, the 2017 red blend is 50% Syrah from Bien Nacido, half of which is from whole clusters, 35% Grenache from Zaca Mesa, and 15% Grenache from John Sebastiano Vineyard.
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.
Ranging from cool and foggy in the west to warm and dry in the east, the Santa Ynez Valley is a climatically diverse growing area. The most expansive AVA within the larger Santa Barbara County region, Santa Ynez is also home to a wide variety of soil types and geographical features. The appellation is further divided into four distinct sub-AVAs—Sta. Rita Hills, Ballard Canyon, Los Olivos District and Happy Canyon—each with its own defining characteristics.
A wide selection of grapes is planted here—more than sixty different varieties, and counting. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir dominate in the chilly west, while Zinfandel, Rhône blends, and Bordeaux blends rule the arid east. Syrah is successful at both ends of the valley, with a lean and peppery, Old-World sensibility closer to the coast and lush berry fruit further inland.