93 Points - Wine Enthusiast
93 Points - Vinous
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 22% of the French oak barrels being a year old or more. Drink now through 2025
Appellation: Santa Barbara County
Varietal Composition: 58% Grenache, 22% Mourvedre, 20% Syrah
Vineyard Source: 100% Thompson Vineyard (Blocks 1E, 2A, 1B)
Aging: Aged in large format 500L French oak Puncheons for 20 months, of which 22% new French oak
Cooperage: Atelier Centre, Ermitage, Francois Freres
Harvest Brix: 23.8 - 26.6
Acid: 0.564 g/100ml
pH: 3.80
Alcohol: 14.5%
Production: 253 cases
Dark ruby red in the glass, and good swirl on the nose offers generous aromatics of cassis, black cherry and spice. Generously oaked, with crushed blackberry, baked plums, baking spices, and Turkish fig. A supple body, gives way to red and dark fruit like plum, blueberry compote, prune, with anise and light spice on the finish.
92 Points
Lofty aromas of ripe red fruits layered with notes of crushed violets, berry cobbler, cherry and creme brulee leading into crushed blackberry with cassis, mocha, leather, mineral, and baking spice. Its all encompassing and bold mouthfeel are outstanding, as deep tannins dance around the palate, finishing with flavors of blackberry, fig, and pipe tobacco.
Exceptional
Aromas of bright oak, essence of lilac, toasted brioche and sage delight your senses. Flavors are just as complex with hints of soft melted butter, quince, fig, and a touch of lavender that titillate your taste buds. Its delightful texture is balanced by great acidity, leading to a long satisfying finish. Truly a chardonnay lovers Chardonnay.
