Winemaker Notes
When you arrive the celebration is raging, much like the huge bonfire in the center of the crowd. You are met with scents of anise, mulling spices, kirsch and leather. A friend claps you on the back and hands you a bowl crafted from juniper proclaiming “wassail!” “Drink hail” you chorus with the rest of the group, taking a gulp and passing it on. Treats of olive tapenade and plums with cinnamon are shared as the merriment continues into the night.
Blend: 48% Grenache, 32% Syrah, 19% Mourvedre, 1% Viognier
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Distinctive, refined and well-built, offering expressive black cherry, cigar box, green olive and cured meat accents that build richness on the long finish. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Viognier. Drink now through 2026.
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Wine Enthusiast
This thoughtful blend of 48% Grenache, 32% Syrah, 19% Mourvèdre and 1% Viognier is an excellent choice for less than $30. Aromas of game, leather, boysenberry and peppercorn kick off the nose, leading into a palate that blends savory charred meat flavors and hoisin sauce with black-plum and wild berry flavors. Editors’ Choice.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2016 Sans Liege, The Offering Red Blend, is bold, adventurous, and lasting. TASTING NOTES. This wine explodes on the palate with pure joy. Pair its aromas and flavors of boysenberries and chalk with savory barbecues. (Tasted: April 26, 2019, San Francisco, CA)
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Viognier, the pale to medium ruby colored 2016 The Offering features aromas of cherry candy, powdered strawberry, dried herbs, warm redcurrant, stewed rhubarb and candied blue fruits. It's medium-bodied with good fruit intensity, grainy tannins and juicy acidity, finishing long with a floral tinge.
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.