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
94 Point Vintage
Deep garnet core with an elegant ruby-brick rim—a striking sign of its library maturity. Aromas of black cherry, cassis, and macerated blackberry, seamlessly transitioning into sophisticated layers of cedar, graphite, crushed violet, and cured tobacco. A savory accent of bay laurel, cocoa nib, and warm earth adds impressive intrigue. The palate delivers dense dark fruit framed by velvety, melted tannins and vibrant acidity that keeps the wine lifted and fresh. Finishes long and seamlessly, lingering with espresso, black plum, aged leather, and a fine crushed-stone minerality.