91 Points - Wine Enthusiast
Being so robust, moderate to heavy dishes are best paired with this GSM.
Think fattier steaks, grilled sausage, duck risotto, mushrooms or dishes with Mediterranean spices.
This GSM blend from Thompson Vineyard from the Alisos Canyon corridor in Santa Barbara County is richly pleasing. Aged in large-format puncheons for 19 months, 17% of the French oak barrels being new. A big bold blend with great aging potential. Drink now through 2028.
Appellation: Santa Barbara County
Varietal Composition: 56% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 19% Mourvedre
Vineyard Source: 100% Thompson Vineyard (Blocks 1E (Grenache), 1B (Syrah), 2A (Mourvèdre)) located in the Alisos Canyon corridor in Santa Barbara County
Aging: Aged 19 months in 75% 500L French oak puncheons, of which 17% is new French oak
Cooperage: Francois Freres, Rosseau, Atelier
Harvest Brix: 24.4 - 26.8
Acid: 0.524 g/100ml
pH: 3.78
Alcohol: 14.7%
Production: 281 cases
93 Points
Layers of blackberry and dark cherry with subtle hints of cedar, cocoa, and toasted oak. Rich and concentrated, it is supported by fine tannins and fresh acidity that bring balance and length to the finish. Approachable today, it also has the structure to reward additional time in the cellar.
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.
