Pepper and clove introduce licorice brushed aromas of plum, strawberry, raspberry and citrus that define an astonishingly light body. This is a wine that won’t overpower vegetable or seafood and can also stand up to big game. Serve cool.
The 2020 Pape Star Rouge is a blend of 42% Grenache, 27% Syrah, 21% Mourvèdre, 6% Carignane and 4% Counoise. Grapes come from vineyards across Santa Barbara County, including Larner Vineyard and Stolpman Vineyard in Ballard Canyon. Inspired by Châteauneuf-du-Pape, it offers the wild, savory character of that region at a lighter weight. Its briary fruit is complemented by tones of dried leaves, mossy bark, cured meats and touches of powdered sugar. The medium-bodied palate's fruit is concentrated yet understated, supported by chalky tannins and fireworks of fresh acidity, and it has a long, spicy finish. It deserves another year or two in bottle to continue to unfold all those wild, autumnal accents. 93+ pts Robert Parker
Our 2020 Highlands Vineyard Cabernet opens with aromas of dak chocolate and a slightly smokey-oaky nose. With a few moments in the glass the wine expands into a beautifully expressive, berry rich, and velvety smooth wine.
Our 2022 Pinot Blanc does recall a richer Chardonnay. The wine is mouth filling, dense and creamy with flavors of pear, green fig and marzipan. Ample acidity balances things out, the wine is clean finishing and bright.
Our 2023 wine is a stunner - racy and expressive with rich layers and aromas of passionfruit, lemongrass, dandelion and tropical fruit. This pretty white holds its place next to the wines of Sancerre and Marlborough.
