Winemaker Notes
Blend: 83% Syrah, 14% Grenache, 3% Viognier
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
The grapes for this marvelous Rhone blend come from various vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley. The blend is 83% Syrah, 14% Grenache and 3% Viognier. The aroma is marked by the scent of white pepper, black cherry liqueur, dark chocolate and buttered toast, with similar flavors. It's rich to the point of decadence, yet balanced and minerally. New oak to the tune of 65% is easily integrated.
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Wine Spectator
A delicate style, with firm, ripe, spicy cherry, plum and mineral notes that are full-bodied and complex, unfolding gracefully and ending with a detailed finish. Syrah, Grenache and Viognier.
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.
With a dry and mild climate cooled significantly by moist ocean fog and breezes, Santa Barbara County is a grape-grower’s dream. Part of the larger Central Coast appellation, Santa Barbara is home to Santa Maria Valley and Santa Ynez Valley. The conditions here provide an opportunity for nearly effortless production of high-quality cool-climate Central Coast wines. This is also the site of the 2004 film Sideways, which caused Pinot Noir’s popularity to skyrocket and brought new acclaim to the region.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the stars of Santa Barbara, producing wines marked by racy acidity. Crisp Sauvignon Blanc and savory Syrah are also important. The region is home to many young and enthusiastic winemakers eager to experiment with less common varieties including Chenin Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Trousseau Gris, Gamay and Cabernet Franc, making it an exciting area to watch.