Dark fruit aromas of blackberry, blueberry and black plum drive the nose, followed by dried herbs, tar, smoke and BBQ meat. Blackberry along with blueberry compote dominate the palate, while notes of leather, grilled herbs, dark chocolate and scorched earth complete this full-bodied Syrah.
For fun, try the 2016 Hampton Syrah with a hard cheese like Gouda, however as a general rule, you can’t go wrong pairing with grilled meats, vegetables, wild game or a nice beef stew.
Specs
Vintage: 2016
Varietal: 100% Syrah
Vineyard: 100% Hampton Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley
Appellation: Santa Barbara County
Harvest Date: 9/2/16
Harvest Brix: 24.7
Aging: 21 months in 100% French oak, of which 33% is new
Cooperage: Meyrieux, Francois Freres
Alcohol: 14.5%
pH: 3.84
Total Acidity: .512g/100mL
Production: 298 cases
2016 Epiphany Mourvèdre, Santa Barbara County
Tasting Notes
93 Points ~ Jeb Dunnuck
The 2016 Mourvèdre is 100% Rodney’s Vineyard, located on the Fess Parker Home Ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley. Black cherry and wild black raspberry dominate the nose with baking spices, vanilla and an underlying note of scorched earth. Plum and black cherry won’t be missed on the palate with cinnamon, wild thyme and baking chocolate rounding out this heavy hitter.
This wine begs to be paired with rich foods to absorb the high tannins. Try with savory foods like beef short ribs, pork shoulder, lamb or barbecue.
Vineyard Notes
100% Rodney’s Vineyard (Block 01) located on the Fess Parker Home Ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley
Specs
Vintage: 2016
Varietal: 100% Mourvèdre
Appellation: Santa Barbara County
Harvest Brix: 26.8
Harvest Date: 10/11/16
Aging: 17 months in 100% French oak large format puncheon barrels, of which 50% is new
Cooperage: Atelier Centre, Mercurey
Alcohol: 16.1%
Acid: 0.527 g/100mL
pH: 3.98
Production: 107 cases
2017 Epiphany Grenache, Rodney’s Vineyard, Santa Barbara County
The 2017 vintage produced a Grenache that is rich and flavorful. As with prior vintages, we decided to blend a little Syrah into the mix, helping to add structure and depth to the palate. Prevailing on the nose are dark berry aromas with baking spices, vanilla and anise. Bright strawberry and cherry dominate the palate, rounded out with notes of white pepper, currant and dark chocolate.
The highly intense nature of this Grenache lends itself to be paired with braised or smoked meat, but it would be delicious with cassoulet or a classic charcuterie board.
Specs
Vintage: 2017
Varietals: 85% Grenache, 15% Syrah
Appellation: Santa Barbara County
Vineyard: 100% Rodney’s Vineyard (Blocks P2, P1 & F3) located on the Fess Parker home ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley
Harvest Brix: 26.2-27.1
Harvest Date: 10/19-10/20/17
Aging: 17 months in 100% 500L French oak puncheons, of which 32% is new
Cooperage: Ermitage, Mercurey, Atelier
Alcohol: 14.9%
Acid: 0.558 g/100mL
pH: 3.57
Production: 527 cases
Included in the Box
6-bottles:
2x 2016 Epiphany Syrah, Hampton Vineyard, Santa Barbara County
2x 2016 Epiphany Mourvèdre, Santa Barbara County
2x 2017 Epiphany Grenache, Rodney’s Vineyard, Santa Barbara County
Case:
4x 2016 Epiphany Syrah, Hampton Vineyard, Santa Barbara County
4x 2016 Epiphany Mourvèdre, Santa Barbara County
4x 2017 Epiphany Grenache, Rodney’s Vineyard, Santa Barbara County
Epiphany finds its identity and passion in the production of esoteric Rhone-based varietals and blends from some of the finest vineyard designates in California.
Founded by Eli Parker at the turn of the last century, Epiphany was at first intended as a creative outlet for the then adventurous winemaking son of Fess Parker. As the years progressed, Eli assumed the role of Brand Visionary, paving the way for winemaker Blair Fox to assume the enological reins at the winery. The Epiphany portfolio has become a highly coveted selection of mostly Santa Barbara County- designated Rhone-inspired wines, considered by leading critics to be a flagship producer from this vibrant growing region.
Epiphany has transformed into a leading, contemporary producer of Rhone-based and esoteric varietal wines from the Central Coast, and a meaningful representation of the second generation of the Parker family name, and their continued dedication to ultra-premium wine production on the Central Coast.
Sought after by chefs, sommeliers, retail buyers and consumers alike, the Epiphany brand has distinguished itself among the wine cognoscenti as a trustworthy, quality-oriented and forward-thinking wine brand.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Epiphany Wine Company 90+ Point Reds
6 bottles for $99.99 $16.66/bottle + $1.33/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $159.99 $13.33/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
Snobby tasting room in Los Olivos. I’m a huge supporter of Santa Barbara wineries but was left with a bad taste when we tried to make reservations a few months ago and the gal was condescending. Sorry I have nothing to say about the wine itself since we weren’t welcome that day.
Keep in mind we’ve always been treated great by Tercero, Andrew Murray, Stolpman, Story of Soil. All within walking distance.
Hopefully the winery can chime in. I am fully aware that one employee does not always represent the winery but it was so upsetting that I felt the need to share.
@losthighwayz was this during the pandemic? Lots of places are reservation only these days during COVID. Got turned away by Stolpman a few weeks ago but didn’t think them any worse for it.
@CorTot fair question. Yes, during pandemic. We understood the limitations and need for appointments. My main issue is that we went to support wineries during early reopening and last thing I was expecting was a condescending attitude. We have had great down to earth interactions with most wineries and tssting rooms in that area but not the case here. In short it is not the message that bothered me but the delivery.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
Epiphany Wine Company 90+ Point Reds - $40 = 19.99%
2016 Epiphany Syrah, Hampton Vineyard, Santa Barbara County
A bottle of the Syrah landed on my doorstep late this morning courtesy of the brown truck. Many thanks to Alice, David, and the entire WCC team for the rat opportunity!
With higher ABV (14.5%), varietals like Syrah, Cab Sauvignon, etc., benefits greatly from a few minutes (15) in the fridge prior to drinking. I did the same, and popped and poured with a little chill on the wine, which was paired with a homemade pesto mac and cheese.
I immediately got black fruit on the nose, with a little bit of spice mid pallet and an elegant/savory finish. After about two hours open, I am still tasting the same. Admittedly, my focus is elsewhere this evening, but I can absolutely say with enough concentration that this Syrah is a WINNER!
I’m curious to see if there are rats for the Grenache and Mourvèdre. This Syrah is showing fabulously, even with “bottle shock” , and the case price is a steal for this single vineyard Syrah offering, if purchased as part of a mixed case.
@klezman you are spot on, just add some pesto to the cheese/cream base, the pesto gives it a unique, sort of nutty, taste. You too are welcome to join for lunch today, if you can find your way to Oakland
@ponyo4 dangit, I am just now seeing this and REALLY wish I had gotten back to you sooner since the offer is now sold out. Let me know if you are a VMB as you would be able to get it cheaper than I with discounted shipping. Hopefully next time we can partner up!
2017 Epiphany Grenache, Rodney’s Vineyard, Santa Barbara County
Grenache labrat reporting in! Received the email Monday that a wine was headed our way, and it arrived last night at 5:30pm, just in time for dinner.
Our kitchen is being remodeled, so we went with one of our favorite carry out meals- the “Pig Burger” from the Peppered Pig in Webster, NY, cooked medium rare. Here’s the description:
“8oz beef patty, seared in duck fat, tarragon aioli, bacon, brie, field mix, tomato jam, on sourdough”
Needless to say, it’s pretty epic…
The wine haD a beautiful clear red hue, light strawberry in color, and was brilliantly clear, even after just getting off the UPS truck.
I got some strawberry, cranberry, herbs, spice, and some heat on the nose. My wife agreed.
On the palate, I tasted focused red fruit, good acidity, and some herbs. My wife got some pepper (which I could then taste as well), some savory elements- a bit of espresso and olive, some herbs, and a zippy acidity. Good medium finish.
Great pairing with the burger, works well with food or by itself. It is a little hot, which burned off a bit with time while still present. A well made, elegant wine. The bottle disappeared quickly.
On the fence to buy, just because the cellar is very full with all the COVID wine purchases that more than balance all the COVID wine consumption.
On the other hand, I met my wife in Santa Barbara county, so there’s that!
I think it’s a good value at the Casemates price.
Thanks, WineDavid, for another opportunity to rat, always appreciated!
@fgfljsb@wnance Thanks for the awesome review and the offer to split this case with you! BTW, fgfljsb, I’m also in Rochester (Gates). If you think that that sandwich looks good, you should try wnance’s sous vide pork!
@wnance Wow… Webster, NY is my hometown. I don’t get back too often (down in Western NC now), but nice to see some other Upstaters on here. Small world…
@lionel47 Clean living. Keep holy the Sabbath. don’t drink, don’t smoke. Get up early, work hard. Play fair, shower daily. Help old ladies across the street, that type of thing. And eventually it just happens.
But also, maybe, send them an email. Might be a while before you get a bottle to rat. I think if you’ve bought a few cases and/or cheerfully contribute on the forums, you get put a higher on the list.
@PatrickKarcher Thank you for the explanation. I try to live a life of piety. I bathe regularly (Mondays and Thursdays), live frugally, and give alms (in the form of my advice to everyone, sometimes when they ask) and provide opinions to those whose opinions are woefully inadequate.
Maybe, with more practice, I, too, will achieve Rat status.
@lionel47@rjquillin@WCCWineGirl You mean I’ve been living clean all this time, so I could be a rat, and that’s not actually a requirement? Dang it! Okay, knockin’ that off.
Some CT hints that the Syrah ages reasonably well, the Grenache and Mourvèdre less so. Not surprising. Solid value of mixed Rhone varietals is very tempting! But my strict budget that’s in bad shape. . . oi.
@PatrickKarcher Why is that unsurprising? I’ve had some very well aged Grenache-based wines (even if you exclude Chateauneuf du Pape), and although Mourvedre is often known to drink earlier than Syrah I’ve also found many producers make one that ages very nicely. (Twisted Oak, Tempier, Domaine de la Terre Rouge, Tercero. Maybe there’s something about the letter T?)
@klezman@PatrickKarcher I was in Murphys, CA last weekend and tried to drop in the tasting room @Twisted Oak but alas, no room. Speaking of which, Calaveras County is making some very interesting Zins and Sangios (similar to woot favorite Vino Noceto); if ever in the area, check out Calaveras County, part of Northern CA’s “Gold Country”. I particularly recommend Locke Vineyards.
@klezman I think I see longer-aging Syrahs more often. I had a K Vintners “the Boy” Grenache 2011 last month that was fantastic, but I don’t think it was going to age much longer. A 6 year old Torcido was great, but through the vinturi and decanted, not so good. Now, the Syrahs from the same producers last a little longer I think. I get the impression that the average well-made Syrah last longer than the average well-made Grenache and Mourvedre. But I’d trust your experience for that over mine.
Now, the Winesmith Grenache I have down there will last a long long time, I’m sure. But imagine a Winesmith Syrah; that’d be to lay down 30+ years, wouldn’t it?
@coolac5@klezman@PatrickKarcher@twisted And, Calaveras County (Calaveras HS class of '73) is very close to Amador County, which is another fabulous area for tasting.
@PatrickKarcher Yeah, I could definitely see that from the “average” wine. But I try to avoid those
There may also easily be drinking window preferences at work here. I’ve found that I like my wines with more age than most do, and when the fruit has calmed down to yield a more balanced (to me) experience. So while you are thinking a 6 year old Torcido is on its way out, I had a 2013 a couple months ago and thought it was hitting its stride nicely. I’ll probably start opening my 2014 Torcido next year some time.
I think a lot of it comes down to how the wine is made. Some are made to drink young while some hold their own and improve with age. For most varieties I strongly prefer the latter style, which might be why my observations are different from yours.
@wnance I had a bottle of that very same wine. It was fantastic.
@klezman@PatrickKarcher@wnance Just happened to notice a Holiday Sale email from WineSmith that mentions a WineSmith 2013 The Lost Chord Syrah (for $48).
Old wooters might recall an 04 Epiphany Syrah Hampton Vineyard, I recall we enjoyed. A lot going on, fruit and spices as I recall.
Note in 2009: Opened up >1 hr with a complex nose, we picked up about 6 aromas, palate with blackberry, plum, spices, pepper, cocoa. Nice tannins, nice finish. Very good, enjoyable, look forward to next bottle.
Vintner care to comment on any stylistic changes over the last 12 years?
Mourvèdre Labrat chiming in, albeit late! The man in the brown truck showed up at 6pm here, right as my wife and I were rushing out the door for a dinner date. Apologies for the late review, and sadly, no food to pair with it.
No corkscrew needed for this bottle’s Stelvin closure. Poured into a glass with no time to chill, but the wine is cooler than room temp.
Color: deep cranberry with a hint of brick.
Nose: dark red fruits, leather, cinnamon
Palate: dark cherry, cinnamon, spice, slight herbal notes.
We tried it with some extra aged parmesan and it went together nicely. Something about the nutty cheese brought out some nice notes in the wine, perhaps vanilla or caramel? It held up well with brie, though it was the strong tannins that cut through the creaminess of the cheese. Not a lot of flavor compliment with that pairing. My wife thinks it’s versatile and could go well with either dessert or charcuterie. I agree. I appreciate the medium acidity and tannins, as that’s what I prefer in my reds. Neither of us is experienced with Mourvèdre, but we both really enjoy this bottle. At the price points offered, it’s a solid QPR. We’re in for 6. Thanks to Alice & Casemates for the chance to participate in this offering!
2016 Epiphany Syrah, Hampton Vineyard, Santa Barbara County
Tasting Notes
90 points ~ Wine Spectator
92 points ~ Wine Enthusiast
92 points ~ Jeb Dunnuck
93 points ~ Vinous
Specs
2016 Epiphany Mourvèdre, Santa Barbara County
Tasting Notes
93 Points ~ Jeb Dunnuck
Vineyard Notes
Specs
2017 Epiphany Grenache, Rodney’s Vineyard, Santa Barbara County
Tasting Notes
93 Points ~ Wine Enthusiast
92 Points ~ Vinous
90 Points ~ Jeb Dunnuck
Specs
Included in the Box
6-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$439.25/Case at Epiphany Winery for 4x 2016 Epiphany Syrah, Hampton Vineyard, Santa Barbara County, 4x 2016 Epiphany Mourvèdre, Santa Barbara County, 4x 2017 Epiphany Grenache, Rodney’s Vineyard, Santa Barbara County
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Nov 23 - Tuesday, Nov 24
Epiphany Wine Company 90+ Point Reds
6 bottles for $99.99 $16.66/bottle + $1.33/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $159.99 $13.33/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2016 Epiphany Syrah, Hampton Vineyard, Santa Barbara County
2016 Epiphany Mourvèdre, Santa Barbara County
2017 Epiphany Grenache, Rodney’s Vineyard, Santa Barbara County
Snobby tasting room in Los Olivos. I’m a huge supporter of Santa Barbara wineries but was left with a bad taste when we tried to make reservations a few months ago and the gal was condescending. Sorry I have nothing to say about the wine itself since we weren’t welcome that day.
Keep in mind we’ve always been treated great by Tercero, Andrew Murray, Stolpman, Story of Soil. All within walking distance.
Hopefully the winery can chime in. I am fully aware that one employee does not always represent the winery but it was so upsetting that I felt the need to share.
@losthighwayz was this during the pandemic? Lots of places are reservation only these days during COVID. Got turned away by Stolpman a few weeks ago but didn’t think them any worse for it.
@CorTot fair question. Yes, during pandemic. We understood the limitations and need for appointments. My main issue is that we went to support wineries during early reopening and last thing I was expecting was a condescending attitude. We have had great down to earth interactions with most wineries and tssting rooms in that area but not the case here. In short it is not the message that bothered me but the delivery.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
Epiphany Wine Company 90+ Point Reds - $40 = 19.99%
2016 Epiphany Syrah, Hampton Vineyard, Santa Barbara County
A bottle of the Syrah landed on my doorstep late this morning courtesy of the brown truck. Many thanks to Alice, David, and the entire WCC team for the rat opportunity!
With higher ABV (14.5%), varietals like Syrah, Cab Sauvignon, etc., benefits greatly from a few minutes (15) in the fridge prior to drinking. I did the same, and popped and poured with a little chill on the wine, which was paired with a homemade pesto mac and cheese.
I immediately got black fruit on the nose, with a little bit of spice mid pallet and an elegant/savory finish. After about two hours open, I am still tasting the same. Admittedly, my focus is elsewhere this evening, but I can absolutely say with enough concentration that this Syrah is a WINNER!
, and the case price is a steal for this single vineyard Syrah offering, if purchased as part of a mixed case.
I’m curious to see if there are rats for the Grenache and Mourvèdre. This Syrah is showing fabulously, even with “bottle shock”
@coolac5 anyone in the Oakland/Alameda area of Northern CA interested in a case split?
@coolac5 Thank you for the report. Pretty interested in that Pesto Mac & Cheese. Sounds delish.
@WCCWineGirl happy to share some leftovers for lunch today; you just need to find a way down to OAK
@coolac5 Yeah, what’s pesto mac and cheese? Or do you just throw some pesto into regular mac and cheese? I’m a big fan of both…
@klezman you are spot on, just add some pesto to the cheese/cream base, the pesto gives it a unique, sort of nutty, taste. You too are welcome to join for lunch today, if you can find your way to Oakland
@coolac5 I’m in SF and I’d be down to split some !
@ponyo4 dangit, I am just now seeing this and REALLY wish I had gotten back to you sooner since the offer is now sold out. Let me know if you are a VMB as you would be able to get it cheaper than I with discounted shipping. Hopefully next time we can partner up!
/giphy better-tragic-cracker
My birthday is in a week and, well, I deserve it. 2020 has been rough.
@lionel47 Happy B-day!
@moseman Thank you!
@lionel47 Happy Birthday - Treat Yourself.
@WCCWineGirl Thanks!
2017 Epiphany Grenache, Rodney’s Vineyard, Santa Barbara County
Grenache labrat reporting in! Received the email Monday that a wine was headed our way, and it arrived last night at 5:30pm, just in time for dinner.
Our kitchen is being remodeled, so we went with one of our favorite carry out meals- the “Pig Burger” from the Peppered Pig in Webster, NY, cooked medium rare. Here’s the description:
“8oz beef patty, seared in duck fat, tarragon aioli, bacon, brie, field mix, tomato jam, on sourdough”
Needless to say, it’s pretty epic…
The wine haD a beautiful clear red hue, light strawberry in color, and was brilliantly clear, even after just getting off the UPS truck.
I got some strawberry, cranberry, herbs, spice, and some heat on the nose. My wife agreed.
On the palate, I tasted focused red fruit, good acidity, and some herbs. My wife got some pepper (which I could then taste as well), some savory elements- a bit of espresso and olive, some herbs, and a zippy acidity. Good medium finish.
Great pairing with the burger, works well with food or by itself. It is a little hot, which burned off a bit with time while still present. A well made, elegant wine. The bottle disappeared quickly.
On the fence to buy, just because the cellar is very full with all the COVID wine purchases that more than balance all the COVID wine consumption.
On the other hand, I met my wife in Santa Barbara county, so there’s that!
I think it’s a good value at the Casemates price.
Thanks, WineDavid, for another opportunity to rat, always appreciated!
@wnance Grenache & take out. Dang, that looks good. Thanks for the review.
@WCCWineGirl Thank you for the wine. We try to always make a memorable meal out of our labrat bottles…
@wnance WAIT are you in Webster? really? we might need to discuss some splits sometime… (i’m Cornhill)
@fgfljsb I really am! There are 4 or 5 Casemates folks in Rochester that I know of.
@fgfljsb @wnance Thanks for the awesome review and the offer to split this case with you! BTW, fgfljsb, I’m also in Rochester (Gates). If you think that that sandwich looks good, you should try wnance’s sous vide pork!
VAN GOGH! MANGO! TANGO! AWESOME!
@ejrunion Case ordered!
@wnance Wow… Webster, NY is my hometown. I don’t get back too often (down in Western NC now), but nice to see some other Upstaters on here. Small world…
How does one get to be a rat, anyway?
@lionel47 Clean living. Keep holy the Sabbath. don’t drink, don’t smoke. Get up early, work hard. Play fair, shower daily. Help old ladies across the street, that type of thing. And eventually it just happens.
But also, maybe, send them an email. Might be a while before you get a bottle to rat. I think if you’ve bought a few cases and/or cheerfully contribute on the forums, you get put a higher on the list.
@PatrickKarcher Thank you for the explanation. I try to live a life of piety. I bathe regularly (Mondays and Thursdays), live frugally, and give alms (in the form of my advice to everyone, sometimes when they ask) and provide opinions to those whose opinions are woefully inadequate.
Maybe, with more practice, I, too, will achieve Rat status.
@lionel47 @PatrickKarcher
also this
@WCCWineGirl
@lionel47 @PatrickKarcher @rjquillin Thanks for asking. Send an email to alice@winecountryconnect.com with name, shipping address & phone. You’ll be added to the LR database. (clean living not a requirement
)
@lionel47 @rjquillin @WCCWineGirl You mean I’ve been living clean all this time, so I could be a rat, and that’s not actually a requirement? Dang it! Okay, knockin’ that off.
@PatrickKarcher Well done, sir
@lionel47 @PatrickKarcher LOL. I’m definitely not worthy…
Some CT hints that the Syrah ages reasonably well, the Grenache and Mourvèdre less so. Not surprising. Solid value of mixed Rhone varietals is very tempting! But my strict budget that’s in bad shape. . . oi.
@PatrickKarcher Why is that unsurprising? I’ve had some very well aged Grenache-based wines (even if you exclude Chateauneuf du Pape), and although Mourvedre is often known to drink earlier than Syrah I’ve also found many producers make one that ages very nicely. (Twisted Oak, Tempier, Domaine de la Terre Rouge, Tercero. Maybe there’s something about the letter T?)
@klezman @PatrickKarcher I was in Murphys, CA last weekend and tried to drop in the tasting room @Twisted Oak but alas, no room. Speaking of which, Calaveras County is making some very interesting Zins and Sangios (similar to woot favorite Vino Noceto); if ever in the area, check out Calaveras County, part of Northern CA’s “Gold Country”. I particularly recommend Locke Vineyards.
@klezman I think I see longer-aging Syrahs more often. I had a K Vintners “the Boy” Grenache 2011 last month that was fantastic, but I don’t think it was going to age much longer. A 6 year old Torcido was great, but through the vinturi and decanted, not so good. Now, the Syrahs from the same producers last a little longer I think. I get the impression that the average well-made Syrah last longer than the average well-made Grenache and Mourvedre. But I’d trust your experience for that over mine.
Now, the Winesmith Grenache I have down there will last a long long time, I’m sure. But imagine a Winesmith Syrah; that’d be to lay down 30+ years, wouldn’t it?
@klezman @PatrickKarcher I had a 2005 WineSmith Syrah Mangel’s Ranch last year that was fabulous.
@coolac5 @klezman @PatrickKarcher @twisted And, Calaveras County (Calaveras HS class of '73) is very close to Amador County, which is another fabulous area for tasting.
@PatrickKarcher Yeah, I could definitely see that from the “average” wine. But I try to avoid those
There may also easily be drinking window preferences at work here. I’ve found that I like my wines with more age than most do, and when the fruit has calmed down to yield a more balanced (to me) experience. So while you are thinking a 6 year old Torcido is on its way out, I had a 2013 a couple months ago and thought it was hitting its stride nicely. I’ll probably start opening my 2014 Torcido next year some time.
I think a lot of it comes down to how the wine is made. Some are made to drink young while some hold their own and improve with age. For most varieties I strongly prefer the latter style, which might be why my observations are different from yours.
@wnance I had a bottle of that very same wine. It was fantastic.
@klezman @PatrickKarcher @wnance Just happened to notice a Holiday Sale email from WineSmith that mentions a WineSmith 2013 The Lost Chord Syrah (for $48).
Old wooters might recall an 04 Epiphany Syrah Hampton Vineyard, I recall we enjoyed. A lot going on, fruit and spices as I recall.
Note in 2009: Opened up >1 hr with a complex nose, we picked up about 6 aromas, palate with blackberry, plum, spices, pepper, cocoa. Nice tannins, nice finish. Very good, enjoyable, look forward to next bottle.
Vintner care to comment on any stylistic changes over the last 12 years?
2016 Epiphany Mourvèdre, Santa Barbara
Mourvèdre Labrat chiming in, albeit late! The man in the brown truck showed up at 6pm here, right as my wife and I were rushing out the door for a dinner date. Apologies for the late review, and sadly, no food to pair with it.
No corkscrew needed for this bottle’s Stelvin closure. Poured into a glass with no time to chill, but the wine is cooler than room temp.
Color: deep cranberry with a hint of brick.
Nose: dark red fruits, leather, cinnamon
Palate: dark cherry, cinnamon, spice, slight herbal notes.
We tried it with some extra aged parmesan and it went together nicely. Something about the nutty cheese brought out some nice notes in the wine, perhaps vanilla or caramel? It held up well with brie, though it was the strong tannins that cut through the creaminess of the cheese. Not a lot of flavor compliment with that pairing. My wife thinks it’s versatile and could go well with either dessert or charcuterie. I agree. I appreciate the medium acidity and tannins, as that’s what I prefer in my reds. Neither of us is experienced with Mourvèdre, but we both really enjoy this bottle. At the price points offered, it’s a solid QPR. We’re in for 6. Thanks to Alice & Casemates for the chance to participate in this offering!
@timnath thank you for reviewing even after the wine showed up late. Much appreciated.
Why lord? Why did I order more wine? Because these get pretty good Vivino ratings, the Rats all make them sound delicious, and I hate my bank account.
My wife is going to be really annoyed with me.
Ah, my old stomping grounds . . .
Blair is a talented winemaker.- truly hope he or someone else jumps on here to support the brand like I used to
I do wonder about the brix at picking and the alcohol levels though (just being a bit geeky since no one else is).
Cheers.
@tercerowines I would also be interested, always good to be invested in knowledge growth of areas related to favorites.
@tercerowines Did you make the wine for them at one point?
@klezman i was on the winemaking team that helped make these qines back on the day . . .
@tercerowines Glad to see more SBC love up in this mug!
So… for the adventurous, aspiring winemakers out there - does this make an opportunity for blending your own GSM??
@Kraxberger that’s what I’m saying!! My fav
Any chance of more cases being available? Or only 6 bottles?
Darn missed it! Just saw on Instagram and came right over.
Shoot–if any more become available, I’m interested!
For posterity it should be noted to buy two cases and not one. This is exquisite.
@pete0744 Thank you! yea, this was a good one.