Winemaker Notes
Scents of cinnamon bark, graphite, white pepper and cocoa dust hang in the air of the warmly lit room as you enter. A glass of framboise and cedar bowls filled with green olives and wild strawberries are set out. Though the day was long & arduous a smile spreads on your lips as you see the anxious little faces before you. “Shall we begin where we left off?” you ask, settling into a soft suede armchair with the storybook.
Blend: 39% Grenache, 36% Syrah, 25% Mourvèdre
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Based on 39% Grenache, 36% Syrah, and 25% Mourvèdre, the 2018 Offering sports a deep ruby color as well as lots of pretty blackberry, blueberry, peppery herbs, and subtle meaty aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, with plenty of fruit, good acidity, and a clean finish, this solid Rhône-like blend will keep for 4-6 years.
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.