SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

The 2018 Grenache carries on our tradition of producing focused, intriguing Grenaches that taste great upon release, but also evolve with age. Ruby red in color and medium weight, this is an ethereal Grenache that is both elegant and structured. Showing aromatics of strawberry and garrigue, with raspberry and savory spice on the palate. Partial stem inclusion through the fermentation provides texture and complexity. Aged in used barrels for 10 months, this wine highlights varietal purity, and is a great companion with a wide range of foods.

Reviews

Vinous  92 Points ~ Crushed rose petal, cedar, sweet pipe tobacco, and mint soar out of the glass as the 2018 Grenache shows off its considerable allure. Soft and inviting, with tons of varietal character and appeal, the Grenache simply hits all the right notes. Drinking window 2020-2028. — Antonio Galloni

2017 Grenache, Santa Barbara County

Vinous  92 Points ~ The 2017 Syrah (Santa Barbara County) is another gorgeous appellation-level wine from Jaffurs. Inky red/purplish berry fruit, black pepper, mint, lavender and licorice add aromatic nuance, but more than anything else, the 2017 is incredibly layered and detailed within its peer group. A dollop (8%) Grenache works well in rounding out the wine's balance. Drink 2020-2027. — Antonio Galloni

Jeb Dunnuck  90 Points ~ The 2017 Grenache Santa Barbara County comes from a handful of sites in Santa Barbara County and saw 43% stems and all neutral oak. Pretty strawberry, cherry, dried herbs, and earthy, peppery notes all emerge from this pure, beautifully polished red that has fine tannins and a great finish. It's one of those classic California Grenache that has a Pinot Noir-like vibe. — Jeb Dunnuck

2016 Grenache, Santa Barbara County

Wine Enthusiast  91 Points  Cellar Selection ~ Rarely is Grenache the best grape to lay down in the cellar, but this bottling has the bones and pedigree to qualify. Plump berry, cherry and red-currant fruits have a floral edge on the nose, while the palate is very grippy with tannins that hold the sumac and tart cherry flavors tightly. Drink 2020–2026. — Matt Kettmann

Wine Spectator  91 Points ~ Sleek and spirited, with floral raspberry and spiced cinnamon aromas and elegantly layered cherry and smoky, sweet anise flavors. Drink now through 2023. 500 cases made. — Tim Fish

Jeb Dunnuck  90 Points ~ The 2016 Grenache Santa Barbara County from this team (100% Grenache aged in used barrels) offers a ripe, upfront, charming style. Bing cherries, raspberries, ground herbs, and hints of pepper all flow to a medium-bodied, silky, elegant wine that will keep for a good 6-8 years. Maturity 2018-2024. — Jeb Dunnuck