Sans Liege 2021 GSM “The Offering” Santa Barbara 95 Points

The Sans Liege “The Offering” (a blend of 43% Grenache, 38% Syrah, and 19% Mourvèdre) is a wine that captures the imagination and challenges expectations, it displays a beautiful purity and depth that is reminiscent of having a summer picnic in an ancient church. Resinous scents of black cherry cola, frankincense, fresh-peeled Clementine orange, and vanilla extract lead to a well-structured and balanced palate of curried mix-berry cobbler, turmeric, dark chocolate cocoa nibs and black pepper with rocky, silky tannins.

Winemaker Notes: “Within the refuge of the cottage a fire dances in the wood-burning stove while outside a coastal storm rages. The windows show you redwoods and sassafras trees being assailed by rain. You pick up your book to settle in for the afternoon and take in a long breath. Scents of dark cherry, chocolate shavings, and baking spices linger in the air from the morning’s baking project and they meld with the more savory aromas of herbs de Provence & white pepper from the kitchen. As you exhale you happily ease into quietude.

FMW  95 Points: “Bright red and blackberry fruits with a hint of white pepper show on the nose of this medium to full-bodied GSM which offers up a lush mouthfeel.  The wine is very distinctive in style, and is refined and well-built, “offering” expressive black stone fruit, green olive, a whiff of spice, and cured meat accents that build richness that leads into a long finish. The 2021 is a gorgeous blend of 43% Grenache, 38% Syrah, and 19% Mourvèdre.”

Also check out: Sans Liege 2023 Cotes du Coast White Rhone Blend