2018 Inspiration Red

Appellation

Santa Barbara County

Varietal

Red Blend

Wine Enthusiast

Jeb Dunnuck

Vinous

Vineyard Sources

74% Rodney's Vineyard (Blocks O1 & S), 26% Camp Four Vineyard (Blocks 10 & N2) both located in the Santa Ynez Valley

Barrel Aging

Aged 19 months in 100% French oak Puncheons, of which 38% is new

Cooperage

Atelier Centre, Gamba, Leroi

Technical Data

Composition

42% Mourvedre, 27% Counoise, 26% Cinsaut, 5% Grenache

Alcohol %

14.8

Acidity

0.530 g/100mL

3.74

Harvest Brix

22.6-26.6

Harvest Date

11/7-11/15/18

Production

1,137 cases

Description

New to the Epiphany line-up is Inspiration Red. This red Rhône blend was inspired by the outstanding blends produced out of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region in Southeastern France. The 2018 Inspiration Redis made up of 42% Mourvedre, 27% Counoise, 26% Cinsault and 5% Grenache, with the majority of the fruit coming from our estate Vineyard, Rodney's.

It's an approachable wine with a medium body, fresh fruit characteristics and smooth finish. On the nose you'll find inviting aromas of strawberry, black cherry, dried herbs, cinnamon, vanilla, caramel and nutmeg. Bright red fruit flavors, vanilla and baking spices grace the palate.

Inspiration Red will pair well with a wide variety of foods, from grilled steak & lamb, to stews and rich seafood dishes.

Wine Critic Reviews

"...a powerful, savory wine. Pipe tobacco, blood orange, cedar, new leather, licorice, rose petal and mint are laced into a core of bright red berry fruit. This is another wine that shows just how magical 2018 is as a vintage." ~ Antonio Galloni's Vinous "...Up-front and already delicious, it has a Southern Rhône-like style in its darker berries, kirsch, savory herbs, and cured meat aromas and flavors. This medium to full-bodied, nicely balanced blend shows the purity as well as quality of the 2018 vintage." ~ Jeb Dunnuck "Violet- and lilac-sachet aromas meet with dark strawberry and Concord grape on the nose of this blend...Dark floral tones arise on the sip, from lavender to inky rose petal, with hints of brighter elderflower as well, all laid atop dark-plum fruit." ~ Wine Enthusiast