Transparent ruby with thin clear edges. Rubber band and apricot jelly with a serious hot streak wound among the stiff briar. It all settles down into an obese wash of paint thinner and Karo syrup.

In the mouth, a Trader Joe’s soccer mom mass-appeal fruitiness attempts to function around blistering alcohol burn, grating earth and vegetal and an apologetically flabby core.

I don’t like this wine near as much as the last two: the single-variety bottlings of Viognier and Syrah. They were both extremely representative of their respective varietal characteristics and the fairly large Santa Barbara style they are formed into. Funny part is: this is the lowest ABV of all of them. This GSM-PS blend comes off sweet and cheap, forward perfume and cloying fruit.

2015 RIDEAU VINEYARDS ‘Chateau Duplantier’ SY/MV/GR/SP 35/25/21/19 SAnta Ynez Valley Los Olivos District Santa Barbara 14.1

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