93 Points - Wine Enthusiast
92 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
92 Points - Vinous
Being so robust, moderate to heavy dishes are best paired with this GSM like 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
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96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.