93 Points - Wine Enthusiast
92 Points - Dunnuck
92 Points - Vinous
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 21 months, 29% of the French oak barrels being new. A big bold blend with great aging potential. Drink now through 2030.
Appellation: Santa Barbara County
Varietal Composition: 40% Grenache, 31% Syrah, 29% Mourvèdre
Vineyard Source: 100% Thompson Vineyard (Blocks 1E (Grenache), 1B (Syrah), 2A (Mourvèdre) located in the Alisos Canyon corridor in Santa Barbara County
Aging: 21 months in 100% French oak 500L puncheons, of which 29% were new
Cooperage: Mercurey, Ermitage
Harvest Brix: 22.5 - 25.5
Acid: 0.540 g/100mL
pH: 3.73
Alcohol: 14.1%
Production: 389 cases
97 Points
Aromas of blackberries, graphite, and crushed rock, along with cedar, tobacco leaf, cassis, and a medley of dry herbs and spice.
A substantial mouthfeel, full-bodied structure, firm tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit. Well-balanced acidity collaborate harmoniously to accentuate the intricate flavors of berry compote, spices, and oak nuances reminiscent of mocha.
97 Points
Lush and fleshy, with cassis, boysenberry, and blackberry notes guided by hints of alder and mesquite. Stays open but defined through the finish, with a buried hint of sweet tobacco. A rich, layered beast, this has a nose rife with currants, blackberries, vanilla, and light toast with flavors of mocha, plum, and Bing cherry that mingle harmoniously on the tongue.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
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.
