91 Points - Wine Spectator
This dark-ruby GSM blend from Thompson Vineyard – along the Alisos Canyon corridor in Santa Barbara County – is richly pleasing. Aged in large-format puncheons for 20 months, with 93% of the French oak barrels being a year old or more. Drink now through 2024
Appellation: Santa Barbara County
Varietal Composition: 50% Grenache, 43% Mourvedre, 7% Syrah
Vineyard Source: 100% Thompson Vineyard (Blocks 1E, 2A, 1B)
Harvest Dates: 10/10/16 - 10/21/16
Aging: Aged in large format 500L Puncheons for 20 months, of which 7% new French oak, 93% 1 year old and older French oak
Cooperage: Atelier Centre, Ermitage, Francois Freres
Harvest Brix: 23.2 - 26.0
Acid: 0.559 g/100ml
pH: 3.66
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 377 cases
95 Points
Displays a bright ruby hue. The nose reveals red cherries, bright red berries, subtle spring florals, and pie spices. On the palate, cherry cola, black tea, and liquid saline/minerals dominate, backed by vibrant, fresh acidity. It remains clean and elegant, with a young, firm structure and satiny tannin grip that suggests a decade of positive evolution in the cellar. A solid, well-made effort from this world class vineyard.