2020 Thompson GSM

Appellation

Santa Barbara County

Varietal

Red Blend

Wine Enthusiast

Jeb Dunnuck

Vinous

Vineyard Sources

100% Thompson Vineyard (Blocks 1E (Grenache), 1B (Syrah), 2A (Mourvèdre)) located in the Alisos Canyon corridor in Santa Barbara County

Barrel Aging

Aged for 21 months in 500L puncheons, of which 31% were new French oak

Cooperage

Francois Freres, Atelier, Gamba

Technical Data

Composition

58% Grenache, 22% Syrah, 20% Mourvèdre

Alcohol %

14.3

Acidity

0.550 g/100mL

3.69

Harvest Brix

22.7-24.2

Harvest Date

10/23/20

Production

355 cases

Description

Made up of 58% Grenache, 22% Syrah and 20% Mourvedre, GSM is a southern Rhône inspired bold blend with lots of aging potential. The varietals used to make up this blend are arguably the most important to the Côtes du Rhône region of France with Grenache typically used as the base of the blend.

Dark, ripe fruit dominates on the nose while bright red fruit and herbal notes are wrapped up by a peppery finish on the palate.

Try GSM paired with moderate to heavy dishes like fattier steaks, grilled sausage, duck risotto, mushrooms or dishes with Mediterranean spices.

Wine Critic Reviews

"The 2020 Thompson Vineyard GSM is more Grenache-dominated and is based on 58% Grenache, 22% Syrah, and 20% Mourvèdre. Cool climate-like notes of peppery herbs, spice, game, and ripe black cherries define the aromatics, and this beauty hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, nicely integrated acidity and tannins, and a great finish. It will keep for 7-8 years." ~ Jeb Dunnuck "…a very pretty wine for the year. Crushed flowers, sweet dried cherry, mint, pipe tobacco, incense and licorice lend notable aromatic presence throughout. This light to medium-bodied red is a charmer. Drink it over the next few years." ~ Antonio Galloni's Vinous "Dark cherry, leather and loam-laced, rocky-soil aromas converge on the nose of this single-vineyard cuvée of 58% Grenache, 22% Syrah and 20% Mourvèdre. The palate is layered in baked strawberry, dried meat, red plum and ample red-spice flavors." ~ Wine Enthusiast