Winemaker Notes
This is only the third vintage of this very special wine that represents a long-time dream come true for us a blend made entirely from our own vineyards. This wine came out of the gate swinging, scoring 94 points with The Wine Spectator. The “All Blocks” is a blend of Syrah and Mourvedre from our Tensley Estate Vineyard as well as Grenache and Syrah from Colson Canyon Vineyard, which we recently purchased. The blend is 85% Grenache, 14% Syrah, and 1% Mourvedre. This wine is bold and beautifully balanced, showing the best each vineyard has to offer. From Colson Canyon come the deep, dark berry notes, chocolate, and lush mouthfeel while the Tensley Vineyard brings in savory, earthy notes and deep, dark notes of purple plums. This wine is approachable now but will also age well over the next 8 to 10 years.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
This red combines polish and personality, with vibrant black raspberry notes and licorice and mineral-tinged garrigue accents that take on richness and structure toward refined tannins. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2027.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Deep purple-black in color with scents of chocolate box, hoisin, old leather and graphite over cassis, black cherry preserves, shaved nutmeg and red and blue fruit sparks, the 2017 All Blocks is medium to full-bodied and spicy with a firm frame and juicy freshness to lift the long finish.
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!