2022 Inspiration Red

Appellation

Santa Barbara County

Varietal

Red Blend

Wine Spectator

Wine Enthusiast

Jeb Dunnuck

James Suckling

Vinous

Vineyard Sources

92% Rodney’s Vineyard (Blocks P1, S, O1, P2 & F1), 8% Camp Four Vineyard (Block 10) both located in the Santa Ynez Valley

Barrel Aging

Aged 18 months in French oak barrels, of which 26% were new

Cooperage

Leroi, Gamba

Technical Data

Composition

49% Grenache, 33% Mourvedre, 8% Cinsaut, 5% Counoise, 5% Syrah

Alcohol %

14.8

Acidity

0.538 g/100mL

3.71

Harvest Brix

21.4-25.8

Harvest Date

10/13 - 10/24/22

Production

634 cases

Description

Inspiration is red Rhône blend inspired by the outstanding blends produced out of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region in Southeastern France. The 2022 Inspiration Red is made up of 49% Grenache, 33% Mourvedre, 8% Cinsault, 5% Counoise and 5% Syrah 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

"...the 2022 Inspiration Red blends Old World aromatics with New World palate weight. Tobacco, cedar, animal musk and leather add complexity to the bright cherry/citrus base layer, fleshing out in a supple, even-tempered red with good balance and energy through and through. Supple curves enshroud the finish. Very nicely done." ~ Antonio Galloni's Vinous "There is a purity to the fruit in this expressive and silky grenache-based blend, a cherry and red plum character that hums alongside scrubby herbs and green peppercorns through the mineral finish. Drink or hold." ~ James Suckling "...has a ruby/plum, semi-opaque hue and notes of meaty black cherries, savory herbs, and ground pepper. It's medium-bodied, with a pure, layered mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a great finish. This is another complex, charming, incredibly satisfying wine from winemaker Blair Fox with a clear southern Rhône vibe. Drink bottles over the coming 7-8 years. Drink 2025-2033." ~ Jeb Dunnuck "There's a core of cherry that's offset by crushed rock and game on the nose of this blend of 49% Grenache, 33% Mourvèdre, 8% Cinsaut, 5% Counoise and 5% Syrah. The palate pops with cherry, plum, stone and more game, with texture that rises on the backend." ~ Wine Enthusiast "Silky and refined, but with good energy to the strawberry and plum core, flanked by loam and herb details, plus refined tannins. An olive note lends a mouthwatering quality to the finish. Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Counoise and Syrah. Drink now." ~ Wine Spectator