Winemaker Notes
Blend: 49% Syrah, 27% Grenache, 24% Mourvedre
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
100% hedonistic and beyond the matrix, the Sans Liege Transcendentalist XII/XIII/XIV takes a journey that goes far beyond the Rhône Valley. This potent blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre deftly combines black fruits with stones and earth. Its steady multi-flavored pairs well with a lightly savory lamb stew. (Tasted: September 26, 2017, San Francisco, CA)
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Another non-vintage release is the NV Transcendentalist, which is made from 49% Syrah, 27% Grenache and 24% Mourvedre and includes grapes from 2012 through 2014, with each vintage seeing a touch less elevage/time in oak. Made in the rich, unctuous, decadent style of the estate, yet with rock solid purity and balance, this full-bodied effort offers tons of ripe black fruits, ground herbs, liquid smoke and pepper aromas and flavors. It’s a smokin’ value to drink over the coming 4-5 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.