93 Points - Wine Enthusiast
92 Points - Vinous
90 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
Rich and flavorful as with prior vintages, they blended a little Syrah into the mix, adding structure and depth to the palate. Prevailing on the nose are dark berry aromas with baking spices, vanilla and anise. Bright strawberry and cherry dominate the palate, rounded out with notes of white pepper, currant and dark chocolate.
The intense nature of this Grenache lends itself to be paired with braised or smoked meat. Also delicious with a cassoulet or a classic charcuterie board.
Appellation: Santa Barbara County
Varietal Composition: 85% Grenache, 15% Syrah
Vineyard Source: 100% Rodney's Vineyard (Blocks P2, P1 & F3) located on the Fess Parker home ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley
Harvest Dates: 10/19/17 - 10/20/17
Aging: Aged 17 months in 100% 500L French oak puncheons, 32% new
Cooperage: Ermitage, Mercurey, Atelier
Harvest Brix: 26.2 - 27.1
Acid: 0.558 g/100ml
pH: 3.57
Alcohol: 14.9%
Production: 527 cases
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
96 Point Vintage
Entices with aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry, and cedar spice. Indicative of the cool vintage, the wine carries a freshness throughout. The palate offers a harmonious balance between bright red fruit, spice, and nicely woven tannins.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
97 Points
Rich dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of baking spices, licorice, coffee, and chocolate that interlace seamlessly with complexity, creating a wine that is both structured and delightfully supple, achieving an ideal balance of tension and grace. Artfully composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc, resulting in harmonious depth and freshness.
