2019 Thompson GSM

Appellation

Santa Barbara County

Varietal

Red Blend

Wine Enthusiast

Jeb Dunnuck

Vinous

Wine & Spirits

Vineyard Sources

100% Thompson Vineyard (Blocks 1E (Grenache), 1B (Syrah), 2A (Mourvèdre)) located in the Alisos Canyon corridor in Santa Barbara County

Barrel Aging

Aged for 21 months in 500L puncheons, of which 33% were new French oak

Cooperage

Leroi, Atelier, Mercurey

Technical Data

Composition

39% Grenache, 33% Syrah, 28% Mourvèdre

Alcohol %

14.9

Acidity

0.590 g/100mL

3.62

Harvest Brix

23.9-26.0

Harvest Date

10/30-11/7/19

Production

313 cases

Description

Made up of 39% Grenache, 33% Syrah and 28% Mourvedre, GSM is a southern Rhône inspired bold blend with lots of aging potential. The varietals used to make up this blend are arguably the most important to the Côtes du Rhône region of France with Grenache typically used as the base of the blend.

Dark, ripe fruit dominates on the nose while bright red fruit and herbal notes are wrapped up by a peppery finish on the palate.

Try GSM paired with moderate to heavy dishes like fattier steaks, grilled sausage, duck risotto, mushrooms or dishes with Mediterranean spices.

Wine Critic Reviews

"The 2019 GSM Thompson Vineyard is fabulous. Bright and punchy with tons of character. Shining aromatics meld into a core of sweet red/purplish berry fruit. Tobacco, cedar, mint, dried herbs and lavender soar out of the glass. Bright acids and veins of tannin give the wine shape as well as energy." ~ Antonio Galloni's Vinous "...has a touch more richness and depth. Black cherries, peppery herbs, leather, and darker, meaty notes define the nose, and it's medium to full-bodied, has tons of fruit, good overall balance, and a great finish..." ~ Jeb Dunnuck