Winemaker Notes
Silky, feminine, and sweet red berry notes. It is full bodied yet elegant and light. This wine is approachable now but will also age well over the next 8 to 10 years.
Blend: 80% Grenache, 19% Syrah, 1% Mourvèdre
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2021 All Blocks Red Wine is based largely on Grenache but includes 14% Syrah and 1% Mourvèdre, with the Syrah and Mourvèdre mostly from the Tensley Estate Vineyard in Los Olivos and the Grenache from Colson Canyon. Lots of red and black fruits, iron, herbes de Provence, and savory notes emerge on the nose. and it’s a more structured, full-bodied wine that brings the muscle.
Range: 92-94 -
Wine Spectator
A seductive blend that shows subtle power and refinement, offering vibrant raspberry and kirsch flavors laced with smoky garrigue, espresso and pepper flavors. Ends with fine-grained tannins. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2021 All Blocks is a blend of 80% Grenache, 19% Syrah and 1% Mourvedre. Medium to deep ruby-purple, it has inviting aromas of cranberries, cherries, tobacco, potpourri and savory spices. The medium-bodied palate is pleasantly chalky and super fresh, with floral fruits and a satisfying, spicy finish. Best After 2022
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!