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
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
93 Points
Deep red hue and hints of violet teasing the senses with seductive aromas of dark fruits, wild berries, cocoa, baking spices, leather, and cigar box. Filled with saturated flavors of ripe blackberry, blueberry, cassis, cherry cola, ripe plum, chopped mint leaves, while the palate unfolds with rich tannin, juicy acidity, and flavors of cherry gastrique, berry coulis, herb mélange, and licorice.
