A Tribute to Grace Grenache, Santa Barbara Highlands Vineyard 2023 (750 ml)

100% Grenache
Native ferment, foot-tread daily for 10 days. Pressed on day 14.
54% whole cluster., 11 month èlevage in french 220L barrique: 8% new, 8% once-used, the remainder in neutral.
Harvested on October 20, 2023 (moon in Sagittarius)
Bottled July 9th, 2024 (moon in Aries)
Finishing pH: 3.81
Alcohol: 14.3% abv
Total Production: 262 cases 

From the high elevation site where grace was borne, this is sacred vintage # 17!! Situated in the northeastern corner of Santa Barbara County, high up in the Sierra Madre Mountains. At 3500 feet elevation, this is the highest elevation Grenache planting in California; the second-highest in the county. The “Mesa Norte” block is a 9.5 acre planting to Grenache clone Tablas A, planted in 2000. Planted in decomposed granite and clay loam, with large rocks of schist, quartzite, basalt and gneiss. A truly world-slowing site.

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I am a New Zealand born winemaker who moved to California in 2006 with the dream of making Grenache. In the land from which I stem, the climate is too cool to ripen this sun-loving beauty. And so began my search: northern Spain, southern France, southern Australia, California…

Abundant sunshine and entrepreneurial spirit led me to the latter, and in 2007 I sourced my first Grenache fruit from the Santa Barbara Highlands Vineyard. Nestled high above the Pacific Ocean and 33 miles inland, this high-desert vineyard provided the perfect balance of heat and light I sought.

I chose to name my label after two of my favourite things: my Grandmother Grace, and my most beloved attribute. My winemaking intention is to capture this spirit, and stay as close to nature as humanly possible. The trio is completed by the grape itself, which to me encapsulates grace.

To grace and Grace,

Angela Osborne

Tech Sheet (2021)