2017 Jaffurs Grenache
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The 2017 Grenache Santa Barbara County comes from a handful of sites in Santa Barbara County and saw 43% stems and all neutral oak. Pretty strawberry, cherry, dried herbs, and earthy, peppery notes all emerge from this pure, beautifully polished red that has fine tannins and a great finish. It's one of those classic California Grenache that has a Pinot Noir-like vibe. Now run by the Green Family, Jaffurs continues to produce classic California wines that always deliver plenty of fruit and texture yet stay balanced and lively. While I think the Rhône varieties are the gems here, they fashion two terrific Pinot Noirs as well.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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The 2017 Grenache (Santa Barbara County) is bright, punchy and super-expressive, with plenty of varietal character. Firm tannins need time to soften, but this is another impeccably rendered, absolutely delicious wine from Jaffurs. Fruit sources are mostly Stolpman, with some Larner and Bien Nacido. The 2017 was done with about 45% whole clusters and was aged in neutral oak.
Jaffur's 2017 Grenache has a pale to medium ruby color with aromas of Cran Apple, dust, macerated strawberries and hints of stems and bubblegum. It has playful fruit in the mouth, with a light to medium weight, very drying tannins and tart acidity. This feels disjointed.