Winemaker Notes
The 2017 Inceptive is a blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre, aged in a combination of neutral oak barrels, Italian concrete tanks, and amphora vessels. Concentrated aromas of dried raspberry, boysenberry pie, cured meats, and tobacco are lifted by subtle notes of purple flowers and sage. The plush, cascading tannins carry flavors of plum and charred black cherry, that slowly transition to a chalky tension, reflective of our Monterey shale laden soils.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Hearty aromas of baked boysenberry, fennel and bits of charred bacon show on the nose of this blend. Dried blackberry and plum flavors arise on the hearty palate, with hints of cocoa and espresso bean.
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.
Ranging from cool and foggy in the west to warm and dry in the east, the Santa Ynez Valley is a climatically diverse growing area. The most expansive AVA within the larger Santa Barbara County region, Santa Ynez is also home to a wide variety of soil types and geographical features. The appellation is further divided into four distinct sub-AVAs—Sta. Rita Hills, Ballard Canyon, Los Olivos District and Happy Canyon—each with its own defining characteristics.
A wide selection of grapes is planted here—more than sixty different varieties, and counting. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir dominate in the chilly west, while Zinfandel, Rhône blends, and Bordeaux blends rule the arid east. Syrah is successful at both ends of the valley, with a lean and peppery, Old-World sensibility closer to the coast and lush berry fruit further inland.