This Week's Must-Try Wines from Vinous
Paul Lato
Space Cadet Syrah Grenache 2016
The 2016 Space Cadet, Lato's Syrah-based red, is deep, succulent and quite giving, with terrific fruit density and tons of sheer appeal. The blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache works beautifully. Dark red/purplish fruit, game, smoke and cured meats give the 2016 tons of character. This is another highly expressive and inviting wine from Paul Lato. Most of the fruit (80%) is from Larner, while the rest is from (10%) Larner Grenache and (10%) Bien Nacido Vineyard Grenache. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, September 2019) — 5 years ago
Diatom
Bar-M Vineyard Chardonnay 2018
From a site in Los Alamos, the 2017 Chardonnay Bar M is perfumed, lifted and wonderfully gracious in feel. Citrus and floral notes abound in a very pretty, expressive Chardonnay that shows the aromatic style that is so common here. White flowers, mint and saline overtones add closing layers to this pretty and inviting Chardonnay from Greg Brewer's Diatom label. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, September 2019) — 5 years ago
Tensley
All Blocks Tensley Vineyards Red Blend 2017
The 2017 Red Wine All Blocks, Tensley's Grenache-based blend is fabulous. Succulent cherry, red plum, spice and floral notes run through this supple, wonderfully pliant red. The 2017 finishes with wonderful energy and freshness. There is so much to like in this juicy, flat-out delicious wine. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, September 2019) — 5 years ago
Foxglove
Central Coast Chardonnay 2017
The 2017 Chardonnay is soft, supple and absolutely delicious. Light tropical notes, lemon confit, white flowers and bright acids give the 2017 striking nuance as well as character. The Foxglove Chardonnay is built on a core of fruit from Los Alamos, with a touch of fruit from Paso Robles, vinified and aged in steel, with no malolactic fermentation. Best of all, it is a stunning value. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, September 2019) — 5 years ago
Dragonette Cellars
Radian Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016
The 2016 Pinot Noir Radian Vineyard is dense, plush and beautifully textured, as wines from this site tend to be. Dark red and purplish berry fruit, spice, dried flowers and menthol infuse this potent, broad Pinot with real character. The 2017 is another winner from Dragonette. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, September 2019) — 5 years ago
A Tribute to Grace Wines
Santa Barbara County Grenache 2017
The 2017 Grenache (Santa Barbara County) is a terrific introduction to Angela Osborne's wines. Sweet red cherry, mint, dried flowers and anise add lovely aromatic nuance throughout, finishing with sneaky persistence. This is the only Grenache in the range made from fully destemmed fruit, and yet there is plenty of the brightness and lift that is such a signature of these wines. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, September 2019) — 5 years ago
Sandhi Wines
Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2017
The 2017 Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills) is a gorgeous appellation wine that punches well above its weight. Then again, most of the fruit is from Domaine de la Côte, with a healthy dollop (20%) of grapes from Sanford & Benedict. Dark cherry, plum, spice, licorice and menthol infuse this radiant Pinot with tremendous fruit density and power. Dark cherry, plum, licorice and spice are pushed forward. There is so much to like. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, September 2019) — 5 years ago
Fess Parker
The Big Easy Santa Barbara County Syrah Blend 2017
The 2017 The Big Easy, Fess Parker's Syrah, Grenache and Petite Sirah blend, is powerful, inky and dense, and yet it is also impeccably balanced. Chocolate, plum, cedar, licorice and leather are some of the many notes that race out of the glass in this decidedly sumptuous, flamboyant wine. Readers who like overt, generous reds will find much to like here. I find myself increasingly drawn to The Big Easy now that it is a bit less heavy than it was years ago. This rich, hedonistic Santa Barbara red is sure to find many fans. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, September 2019) — 5 years ago
Beckmen Vineyards
Cuvée Le Bec Santa Ynez Valley Syrah Blend 2017
The 2017 Cuvee le Bec, Steve Beckmen's red Rhone blend, is a tasty entry-level offering in this range. Lifted floral and spice notes add character to this flavorful, juicy red. A burst of sweet red/purplish berry fruit punctuates the finish. The 2017 is a bit fresher and more floral than it has been in the past. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, September 2019) — 5 years ago
Delectable Wine
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The 2017 Para Maria de los Tecolotes, a blend of Syrah and Petit Verdot, is pliant and energetic, with terrific balance and tons of sheer appeal. Dark red fruit, spice and wild flowers all develop in this forward, inviting wine from Stolpman. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, September 2019) — 5 years ago