Jaffurs Grenache Blanc Thompson Vineyard 2016
In the Fall of 2018 I took a trip to Santa Barbara, CA to visit a few selective wineries and taste some of their current offerings, particularly the Rhone blends. There were four of us tasting wines and my comments, on each of the wines tasted, incorporate nuances from everyone’s palate. It was a great trip, the wines were outstanding and the folks I met at each of the wineries were extremely informative, helpful and very generous with their time. The wineries have “Wine Clubs” which offer some tremendous, small production, wines that can only be obtained directly from the vineyard. I recommend to try a “Club”, click this “WineClubLink” to go to their site. I highly recommend a trip to Santa Barbara, you will not be disappointed! Keep checking back with SippingFineWine.com for all of the wineries visited, wines tasted and comments regarding the wines, wineries and folks I met.
Jaffurs Wine Cellars was founded by Craig Jaffurs, known for his Rhone blends, and released his first commercial wine in 1994, receiving accolades from a number of notable wine critics. Craig turned the business over to Dan and Janelle Green in 2016. Craig still continues to support the winery as a member of the advisory board. Jaffurs does not own any vineyards, however purchases its fruit from five Santa Barbara vineyards. All of their wines are crushed, pressed, cellared and bottled at their small downtown Santa Barbara facility, producing about 5000 cases annually. It’s compact but a highly efficient use of space. It was enjoyable tasting wines in their unique facility.
100% Grenache Blanc, wine was aged 50% in stainless steel and 50% in neutral French oak barrels for 6 months on its lees. Aromas of pure fruit on the nose, fresh and clean. On the palate peach and tropical fruit flavors with notes of honey and vanilla spice, crisp. Medium length, savory, nice balance ending with bright mineral character. Nice! Tasting Sample!
Cheers!