2020 Syrah/Grenache

Lafond Vineyard

91 points - Wine Enthusiast

SIP Certified Wine

After three decades of wine growing in the Sta. Rita Hills of the western Santa Ynez Valley, Pierre Lafond and winemaker Bruce McGuire are still experimenting with unconventional grape varieties in our cool climate growing region.

The knowledge gained since the first planting of six varieties in 1972 (one of the earliest vineyards in Santa Barbara County) has led to a focused approach in which varietals are sought out according to Bruce's hypothesis on a grape's potential to exhibit unique character when grown in our area.

This pioneering has paid off with great success such as the introduction of Syrah and Grenache to the Sta. Rita Hills.

McGuire blends 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache to create the Lafond Vineyard Syrah/Grenache. Both of these Rhone varietals have thrived in the cool climate of Sta. Rita Hills producing complex, spice driven wine. Grenache blends beautifully with Syrah because they share similar pepper notes and the bright red fruit flavors of the Grenache compliment the darker fruit of the Syrah.