Winemaker Notes
Blend: 44% Grenache, 36% Syrah, 20% Mourvèdre
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Attractive nose with spiced cherries, raspberries, dried orange peel, white pepper and red spices. Medium-bodied, racy and juicy with fine, crunchy tannins. Savory character with a lot of dried herb and citrusy undertones. Fun and racy. A blend of 44% grenache, 36% syrah and 20% mourvedre.
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2020 Offering is a charming, delicious wine in the vintage, based on 44% Grenache, 36% Syrah, and 20% Mourvèdre. Ripe red and blackberry fruits, some peppery herbs, medium body, ripe tannins, and a rounded mouthfeel all make for a delicious red that’s up-front and ready to go.
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.