A Tribute to Grace Santa Barbara Highlands Grenache 2019

This was my 13th vintage from the Santa Barbara Highlands Vineyard, and the expression of Grenache that accompanies the altitude here continues to amaze me. At 3000 feet elevation, the soil is a combination of decomposed granite and clay loam, and reminds me greatly of what I imagine the moon to look like. The elevation brings a diurnal shift of up to 50’F, which allows for a rebalancing after often-soaring daytime temperatures. Kaolin Clay was sprayed on the Grenache clusters to minimise sun-damage (an effective natural sunscreen for grapes), whilst also aiding in slowing acid respiration. 

Vineyard: Santa Barbara Highlands Vineyard

AVA: Santa Barbara County

Variety: 100% Grenache

Harvested on September 20th, 2018 (moon in Taurus).

Native ferment, foot-tread daily for 11 days.

Pressed on day 14. 50% whole cluster., 10 month èlevage in french 220l barriques (9% new)

TASTING NOTES: Black Doris Plum, Tobacco and Cinnamon.

Finishing pH 3.45 -- Alcohol: 14.5% abv.

Bottled August 23rd, 2018 (moon in Leo).

Production: 265 cases