2018 Inspiration White

Appellation

Santa Barbara County

Varietal

White Blend

Wine Enthusiast

Jeb Dunnuck

Vinous

Vineyard Sources

77% Rodney's Vineyard (Blocks O2, K1 & H), 23% Camp Four Vineyard (Block 22) both located in the Santa Ynez Valley

Barrel Aging

Aged 7 months in 16% new French oak barrels

Cooperage

Rousseau, Mercurey, Ermitage

Technical Data

Composition

51% Grenache Blanc, 23% Roussanne, 21% Viognier, 5% Marsanne

Alcohol %

13.8

Acidity

0.642 g/100mL

3.14

Harvest Brix

21.0-25.8

Harvest Date

9/19-10/30/18

Production

962 cases

Description

With Inspiration we strive for a Châteauneuf-du-Pape style white Rhône blend,with tropical aromas of white flowers, jasmine and honeydew melon that marry well with vanilla, nectarine and orange marmalade. Tangerine, vanilla and almond flavors flood the palate followed by hints of honeysuckle and lemon cream.

The fruitiness and fatness of this blend comes from its Grenache Blanc base, Roussanne contributes fresh peach aromas, while Viognier and a touch of Marsanne add acidity, with floral and mineral notes.

Pair with shellfish, chicken, pork and vegetable dishes prepared with savory butter or cream sauces.

Wine Critic Reviews

"Waxy aromas of paraffin and lemon peel are lifted by a touch of plumeria on the nose of this bottling. It's vibrant on the palate, with lively flavors of lime zest and chalk, making for an engaging sip whose structure lasts for days." ~ Wine Enthusiast "...Notes of ripe melon, nectarine, flowers, and sappy herbs all emerge from the glass of this classy, medium-bodied, dry white, which has good acidity and a clean, crisp finish." ~ Jeb Dunnuck "...Apricot, candied orange peel, yellow flowers and a kiss of sweet oak give Inspiration its distinctly exotic feel. Readers will find plenty to like in this flamboyant white." ~ Antonio Galloni's Vinous