Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Moving to the Tensley releases, the 2015 Blanc Camp Four Vineyard (65% Grenache and 35% Roussanne) is exotic and perfumed, with lots of peach, pineapple and orange marmalade characteristics intermixed with a touch of flowers and honey. It’s a big, rich, beautifully textured white that has moderate acidity and tons of charm.
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Wine Spectator
Rich and expressive, featuring toast, honey and floral overtones to the apricot cobbler and yellow apple core. Viscous, with refreshing acidity and a spicy side to keep the flavors fresh. Grenache Blanc and Roussanne. Drink now. 180 cases made.
Full-bodied and flavorful, white Rhône blends originate from France’s Rhône Valley. Today these blends are also becoming popular in other regions. Typically some combination of Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier form the basis of a white Rhône blend with varying degrees of flexibility depending on the exact appellation. Somm Secret—In the Northern Rhône, blends of Marsanne and Roussanne are common but the south retains more variety. Marsanne, Roussanne as well as Bourboulenc, Clairette, Picpoul and Ugni Blanc are typical.
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.