Community Tasting Notes 4

• jdjjadair Likes this wine: 88 points

  August 19, 2019 - Solid and easily approachable. Drank it with several rich red meats and it held up well. Not a stuffy wine for sure. Berry was front and center but not overpowering. Enjoy now.

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• Kriskslay wrote:

  January 15, 2018 - 92 pts Wine Enthusiast:
  Crushed rose petals, lavender, cooked red cherries and fresh, light potpourri aromas show on the nose of this blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache. The palate also presents an intriguing combination of floral flavors, from roses to violets to lavender, alongside a darker tar and beef-char component, blackberry paste and a cocoa-dust finish.
  
  After three decades of wine growing in the Santa Rita Hills of the western Santa Ynez Valley, Pierre Lafond and winemaker Bruce McGuire are still experimenting with unconventional grape varieties in our cool climate growing region.
  
  The knowledge gained since the first planting of six varieties in 1972 (one of the early vineyards in Santa Barbara County) has led to a focused approach in which varietals are sought out according to Bruce's hypothesis on a grape's potential to exhibit unique character when grown in our area.
  
  This pioneering has paid off with great success such as the introduction of Syrah to the Santa Rita Hills. Grenache has the same potential as Syrah to show off spicy character expressed in a different way than the white pepper spice found in our cool climate Syrah.
  
  The 2.25 acre planting has paid off in a distinctly bright Grenache exhibiting a hint of black pepper with cinnamon spice and dark red fruit flavors with a whisper of menthol. Three separate Syrah lots showcase the overt cool climate Syrah character.
  
  Winemaker's comments: 2013 was an excellent year for red wine. Picking in mid to late October the days are shortening and the nights are cooler extending the maturation and firming the acidity. The bright red fruit of Grenache compliments the dark white flavors of the Syrah.

  1 person found this helpful Comment

• redz wrote: 90 points

  August 13, 2016 - seemed young, but good, long decant

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• RobbieD68 Likes this wine: 92 points

  July 19, 2016 - Heavy notes of plum and cherry with cinnamon notes. A bit rough on the finish at first. Certainly this is a Drink Now wine.

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Wine Definition

• Vintage 2012
• Type Red
• Producer Lafond
• Varietal Red Rhone Blend
• Designation Syrah Grenache
• Vineyard Lafond Vineyard
• Country USA
• Region California
• SubRegion Central Coast
• Appellation Sta. Rita Hills
• UPC Code 087951441052

Community Holdings

• Pending Delivery 0 (0%)
• In Cellars 15 (33%)
• Consumed 31 (67%)

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