September 2006 Wine Tasting Notes:
2004 Consilience Grenache, Rodney Shull Vineyard, Santa Barbara County.
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This Grenache displays a deep garnet color with good clarity. The nose is rather heady with aromas of dusty raspberry, currant and blackberry interlaced with fragrant, lightly toasted oak. On the palate, raspberry notes, currant and sweet oak vanilla lead into a fleshy mouthfeel. Supple tannins and good acidity give a firm core to anchor the fruit flavors. Blackberry dominates the hot finish. |
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RWB Score: 90 breakdown 16.5% Alcohol $28.00 Retail (from winery); 305 cases produced |
A fruity, medium-bodied wine with complexity and character that prove this grape, used to fluff up and soften blends, can stand well on its own. This hot but nicely fruity wine has supple tannins with wide appeal. A bit shy at first, the palate blossoms over the course of the bottle and upstages the nose. Pair with steak, pasta and dishes with hearty sauces. |
More Consilience reviews
Detail
Composition: 95% Rodney Schull Vineyard Grenache, 5% Rhodes Vineyard Zinfandel. Aged 20 months in 83% French and 17% American oak (no new barrels).
The 2004 growing season was one of the shortest in the history of the state (certainly, in the last 30 years). Harvest came two to three weeks earlier than usual, at the start of August. Crop yields were 6% lower than the previous year. The heat-boosted ripening resulted in increased must weight for some growers. Throughout the Central Coast, moderate crop yields of highly promising wine grapes build anticipation of excellent Central Coast wines.
The Rodney Shull Vineyard surrounds the winery on Foxen Canyon Road. Its 118 acres are planted to Chardonnay (16 acres), Grenache (10 acres), Petite Syrah (8 acres), Syrah (38 acres) and Viognier (27 acres). The the vineyard experiences morning fog, warm daytime temperatures and cool marine breezes in the afternoons. The vineyard is named after Fess' late son in-law. A touch of the fruity 2004 Rhodes Vineyard Zinfandel embellishes this wine's aromas and flavors and enhances its backbone. It comes from the Redwood Valley part of Mendocino County. The 182 acre vineyard is farmed essentially in an organic manner: without pesticides and herbicides and with nutrients supplied through composts. Some of the vines in the vineyard are reported to be over 90 years old (at this time, it is not know to us which varietals). In addition to Zinfandel, the vineyard is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Syrah. The Redwood Valley is subject to a strong marine influence. Temperatures can vary as much as 50 degrees from day to night. The resulting long growing season allows the Rhodes Zinfandel a long hang time and makes it one of the latest Zinfandels to be harvested.
Consilience winery has been making wine since 1997, but was formally founded in 1999. They have been making wines "loosely focused around the typical Rhône varietals" ever since. Their philosophy is to create wine with distinct expression of regional characteristics. Brett Escalera is the wine maker from Consilience. He brings experience from his ongoing tenure at Fess Parker Winery where he has been making wine since 1996.
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5 points |
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Nose |
4 points |
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Palate |
5 points |
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Finish |
4 points |
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Tannins |
4 points |
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Acidity |
5 points |
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Alcohol |
3 points |
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Aging potential |
2 points |
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Overall quality |
8 points |
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