2010 Sine Qua Non Grenache Five Shooter Santa Barbara County

A similar blend (75% Grenache, 16% Syrah, 2.5 % Mourvedre, 4.5% Roussanne and 2% Viognier) and also a brilliant bottle of wine, the 2010 Grenache Five Shooter spent 20 months in 75% used barrels, with the balance in concrete and new French oak. Seamless and elegant, with the house richness and texture, it gives up thrilling, floral-tinged aromas and flavors of red berry fruit, flower oil, spice, white pepper and licorice to go with a full-bodied, layered mouthfeel that keeps you coming back to the glass. While approachable now, it will have upwards of two decades of longevity. Drink 2015-2030. Review Date: August 2013

The 2010 Grenache Five Shooter has turned out even better than I had expected. An utterly vivid, compelling wine, the 2010 is supported by persistent notes of graphite-infused minerality that give the wine much of its energy. Seamless layers of blue/black fruit sit on that razor's edge of salinity in a Grenache loaded with class, finesse and pure refinement. A kaleidoscope of flavors hits the palate on a superb finish that is given an extra dimension of lift from the inclusion of 20% whole clusters. The blend is 75% Grenache, 16% Syrah, 2.5% Mourvedre, 4.5% Roussanne and 2% Viognier, aged mostly in neutral oak for about 20 months. Review Date: July 2013