2021 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 100% French oak 500L puncheons, of which 29% were new

Cooperage

Mercurey, Ermitage

Technical Data

Composition

40% Grenache, 31% Syrah, 29% Mourvèdre

Alcohol %

14.1

Acidity

0.540 g/100mL

3.73

Harvest Brix

22.5-25.5

Harvest Date

11/5/21

Production

389 cases

Description

Made up of 40% Grenache, 31% Syrah and 29% 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

"Dark cherry aromas are lifted by bay leaf and peppercorn on the nose of this blend...There is a lot of chaparral spice to the palate, giving an earthy, herbal edge to the snappy red-fruit core." ~ Wine Enthusiast "The 2021 GSM Thompson Vineyard is a juicy, inviting red blend. Succulent red cherry, rose petal, lavender, spice, mint and tobacco build nicely. A touch of stems adds aromatic breadth as the wine builds into a persistent, sustained finish." ~ Antonio Galloni's Vinous "The 2021 Thompson Vineyard GSM checks in as 40% Grenache, 31% Syrah, and 29% Mourvèdre. It brings a much more masculine style in its peppery red and black fruits, toasted nut, dry aged beef, and leather aromas and flavors. It's medium to full-bodied, has a round, layered mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a great finish." ~ Jeb Dunnuck