A Tribute to Grace Grenache, Santa Barbara Highlands Vineyard 2022 (750 ml)

100% Grenache
Native ferment, foot-tread daily for 10 days. Pressed on day 14.
63% whole cluster., 11 month èlevage in french barrique and 500L puncheon (neutral).
Harvested on October 6, 2022 (moon in Aquarius)
Bottled September 5th, 2023 (moon in Aries)
Finishing pH: 3.73-- Alcohol: 14.2% abv -- Total Production: 224 cases 

Cuyama Valley, Sierra Madre Mountains., 3500 feet elevation. “Mesa Norte” block, 9.5 acre planting - Grenache clone Tablas A, planted on 101-14 rootstock. Decomposed granite and clay loam, with large rocks of schist, quartzite, basalt and gneiss. Planted in 2000, spacing at 8 x 5.

Tasting Notes The 2022 Grenache Santa Barbara Highlands Vineyard is laced with crushed red berry fruit, mint, spice and cedar. Deceptively light in feel, the 2022 is actually a pretty deep wine, with firm tannins that will need some time to soften.
...

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)