SANS LIEGE 10 "THE OFFERING"
Owner/winemaker Curt Schalchlin has rapidly made a name for himself within the "Cal-Rhone Community" as one of the best producers of Syrahs, Grenaches, and blends. His Groundwork label (see our November newsletter) presents one heck of a value, and while that is no slouch, the Sans Liege wines really showcase his abilities."The Offering" is comprised of 48% Grenache, 29% Syrah, 21% Mouvedre and 2% Viognier, aged in new, once-used, and neutral French oak. The grapes came from several notable vineyards in Santa Barbara County, including Larner, Bien Nacido, Les Galets, and Watch Hill. The 2010 Offering 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, tumeric, dark chocolate cocoa nibs and black pepper with rocky, persistent tannins.
