Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Based mostly on Grenache, with 20% Syrah, the 2015 All Blocks comes from all the blocks in the estate. It has a supple, sexy personality as well as lots of black raspberry, cherry, spice and floral aromatics, medium to full-bodied richness and a great finish. It should drink nicely right on release. Range: 91-94
-
Jeb Dunnuck
The 2015 All Blocks is a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre from all the blocks of Joey’s two estate vineyards: Colson Canyon and Tensley Estate. The Grenache and Mourvèdre dominate this cuvee and it offers lots of spicy red and black fruits, licorice and herbes de Provence like aromatics. Full-bodied, elegant and seamless on the palate, it’s already impossible to resist, yet my money is on it cruising in the cellar for a decade.
-
Wine Spectator
Precise and well-built, but generous, with smoky black raspberry, river stone and Asian five-spice powder aromas and layered flavors of dark plum, anise and white pepper. Grenache and Syrah. Drink now through 2027.
California is a winemaking colossus; by itself it is the fourth largest producer in the world. Red wine accounts for 56% of the total by volume, and red grapes 63% of total acres planted. In addition, a number of California red wines are heralded as being among the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world.
While the state’s incredibly diverse geography, soils and microclimates allow for a wide array of styles, the key factor unifying California red wine is the abundance of sunshine and a long, consistent growing season. This leads to well-developed fruit marked both by impressive ripeness and balancing acidity.
The state’s most famous red wine region, of course, is Napa Valley, where Cabernet Sauvignon reigns as king. But California boasts a wealth of other impressive appellations. The much larger and climatically varied Sonoma County also produces world class California Cabernet, along with wonderful examples of California Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.
Fine versions of Cabernet and Zinfandel hail from Paso Robles as well, which is also gaining fame with Rhone varietals like Syrah and Grenache. As for Pinot Noir, terrific examples can be found from AVA’s such as Anderson Valley, Carneros, Santa Lucia Highlands and Sta. Rita Hills. Wineries in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are making wonderful Syrahs, and the Sierra Foothill appellations are proving to be an experimental hotbed, with Italian and Spanish varietals employed to great effect.
This of course is a mere sketch. The subject of California red wine is as deep and broad as an ocean, and absolutely a joy to explore!