Sip This: Honest Poetry GSM 2016

What pours from the bottle is certainly honest, but the claim “bottled by Swordplay Wines, Buellton” is at the least a tad deceptive, for the winemaker is the über-talented Doug Margerum.

Want to read the rest then do so at the Independent's site.

Red Blends Trend Terrifically Tasty

Since Santa Barbara County is so good at growing so many varietals of grapes so well (more than 50, if you cared to know), it makes sense its winemakers start to wonder, “What will happen if we put a bit of varietal A with some of varietal B?” Often that algebra of blending might mix varietals G, S, and M, but we’ll get to that. 

Recently the Vintners Association hosted a tasting at Santa Barbara’s delightful and delicious Barbareño that featured 13 wineries pouring 33 red blends that attested to the palates and creativity in the region. While the red blends tend to play in century-old patterns begun by the French – people generally either mix Bordeaux grapes or Rhone grapes together – of course there’s always a wildcard or two.

Want to read the rest then do so at the Santa Barbara Vintners blog.

Sip This: The Withers Ruben

The Withers Ruben El Dorado Mourvèdre Blend 2013: While it’s more typical to lead your Rhône blend with grenache, the very talented team at The Withers (the tallest part of the horse, hence wines that aim high) has opted to feature mourvèdre (82% of the blend) in this MGS, as it were. That makes Ruben deep, dark, and delicious, with enticing earthy and brambly notes.

Want to read the rest then do so at the Independent's site.

Sip This: Hahn 2014 GSM

Hahn 2014 GSM Grenache Syrah Mourvèdre Central Coast: Here’s an everyday sipper and great value if you long for a Rhône blend but wish to drink a wine from California. Hahn, based in the Santa Lucia Highlands of Monterey County, has put together this blueberry-bursting blend of Grenache (65 percent), Syrah (31 percent), and Mourvèdre (4 percent). It’s a perfect accompaniment for cold nights and warm foods — think lamb shanks or pork chops — especially at a SRP of $14.

Want to read the rest then do so at the Independent's site.