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
95 Points
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.
95 Points
Deep garnet-purple in color, it strides confidently out of the glass with notes of crushed blueberries, ripe, fresh blackberries and warm cassis plus hints of black cherry, cardamom and nutmeg. The full-bodied palate is full of crunchy black fruits. It's rich and ripe firm chewy tannins provide additional structure and complexity as you make your descent into a long and flavorful finish.
94 Points
Aromas of honey, ginger, and key lime radiate from this elegant Chardonnay. A burst of fresh citrus, lime, and star fruit enlivens the front palate upon first sip and is quickly followed by ginger and white pepper, all underscored by subtle notes of white peach and cardamom. Vibrant acidity and steely minerality give the wine excellent structure as it moves into a long, flavorful finish.
93 Points
Robust aromatics of boysenberry, blackberry, cranberry, and black cherry are the centerpiece of this wine, harmonizing with the underlying aromas of violets, sandalwood, and forest floor. The first sip opens on the palate with a rush of softness and density, and lush, savory tannins. Red berries, blackberry, and cassis envelop the tongue on the mid-palate, gently punctuated with subtle acidity followed by a long, flavorful finish.
94 Points
Aromas of fresh lime, verbena, and gooseberry are followed by a juicy, aromatic front palate with bright acidity that wakes up your taste buds. The heightened aromatics develop even greater complexity on the mid-palate, featuring fresh lemon and star fruit, with just a hint of green apple and mango. Gorgeous structural precision leads to a long and chiseled finish with lasting minerality.
90 Points
Aromas of cranberry, sour cherry, plum, and orange rind, complemented by hints of forest floor, pine needles, and rosemary. The wine opens with flavor of juicy red fruit supported by spicy undertones of red pepper and black tea. The freshness of its red fruit are enhanced a vibrant core of light acidity and full rich tannins all of which linger gracefully in the long finish.
