2020 Rhône Blend
ESTATE GROWN - SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
The 2020 Rhône Blend presents heady aromas of strawberry cream, crushed blueberry and earthy loam. The palate is deep and engulfing, showing concentrated flavors of black cherry, blackberry and strawberry with notes of white pepper, tobacco leaf and summer herbs. Hints of cinnamon and mocha join rustic tannins on a rich, rounded finish.
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Wine Specs
Vintage
2020
Varietal
Syrah/Grenache
Appellation
Santa Ynez Valley
Acid
.52
pH
3.64
Aging
22 months in French oak barrels (30% new oak)
Alcohol %
14.8
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
The 2020 Rhône Blend presents heady aromas of strawberry cream, crushed blueberry and earthy loam. The palate is deep and engulfing, showing concentrated flavors of black cherry, blackberry and strawberry with notes of white pepper, tobacco leaf and summer herbs. Hints of cinnamon and mocha join rustic tannins on a rich, rounded finish.
Vineyard Notes
The 35-acre Brick Barn estate vineyard lies just north of the Santa Ynez River in a largely unexplored winegrowing corridor near the city of Buellton in the western Santa Ynez Valley. This wine represents a barrel selection from our three Grenache and Syrah blocks, all planted along an upper highland at an elevation of 550 feet. Here, rocky loam and limestone soils provide ideal conditions for classic Rhône varieties. Persistent sun exposure ensures ripe flavors, while the Pacific Ocean—just 10 miles away—delivers daily cooling that maintains fruit acidity and structure. These conditions combine to create a unique growing environment that is ideal for both Grenache and Syrah.
Winemaker Notes
The fruit was harvested at night and delivered to the winery in the cool morning hours. The Grenache and Syrah lots were separately fermented in open-top bins and open-top tanks. The Syrah was co-fermented with a small lot of Viognier, a classic Rhône Valley technique used to amplify the Syrah’s color and aroma profile. After gentle pressing, the separate lots were settled and racked to 30-percent new French oak barrels. At the conclusion of aging, Adrian identified standout barrels; conducted several blending trials; and ultimately settled upon a deliciously symmetrical blend of Grenache and Syrah.
Food Pairing Notes
The elegant heft of the 2020 Rhône Blend makes a great match for hearty foods, including rack of lamb, grilled tri-tip, pasta Bolognese and hard, aged cheeses.
Other Notes
The 2020 Rhône Blend is a limited-edition cuvée that showcases the striking synergy between Grenache (50%) and Syrah (50%). Selected from standout barrels by Winemaker Adrian Bolshoi, this classic Southern Rhône-style blend balances an exuberant fruit character with complexity and elegance.