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
94 Points
Dark purple in color it opens with explosive aromas of wild blackberry, and a touch of vanilla oak. The palate is bursting with ripe juicy flavors of boysenberry, raspberry and wild cherry, accented by layers of cedar, cacao, cinnamon and briary spice. It’s bold enough to stand up to any BBQ, yet smooth enough to sip on the patio as the sun goes down. Enjoy now and for the next 6-8 years.
95 Point Vintage
Opens with explosive aromatics of cassis, black plum, and sweet tobacco leaf, layered with warm baking spices (cinnamon and cardamom) and a light, complex ferrous mineral note. The Palate and mouthfeel is broad and sumptuous, bursting with flavors of juicy cherry pie, dark raspberry, and boysenberry compote.
The Finish carries a luxurious, savory presence showing undertones of leather, mocha, and milk chocolate, framed by supple, superfine tannins that melt into a long, polished finish.
98 Points
Deep purple hue and an alluring aromatic profile of fresh blue fruits and delicate violets. On the palate, it delivers a seamless and layered texture, framed by supple, polished tannins and a refined sense of balance. Elegantly structured, it offers remarkable purity and finesse, finishing with graceful length and poise.
