All right! Refugio makes their return to our pages, with a truly superb wine, the wineries highly-prized Refugio Ranch Vineyards 2015 “Escondrijo” Santa Ynez Valley GSP Red Blend. This wine is a “GSPs” - or a Grenache (57%), Syrah (35%), and Petite Sirah (8%). The winery’s Petite, featured last year, was the most popular we’ve ever showcased.

Inky dark garnet at the center - almost black - with a rich maroon hue at the meniscus. The nose is very interesting, equal parts floral lilac, wet gravel minerality, spicy sandalwood, and juicy boysenberry. Flavors that are found on the palate instantly surprise with savory smoked meat, leather, pipe tobacco, black tea, dates, and potting soil. We love GSPs because they’re so different, and this wine keeps your palate on edge with every sip without being overly tannic. It will stand up to whatever you throw at it including a big pot roast, potatoes, onions, mushrooms, and gravy.

For a glimpse into Refugio Ranch, its people, and their philosophy, please view this wonderful video:

The Refugio Ranch Story from Refugio Ranch on Vimeo.

The Santa Ynez Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area), which was designated in 1983, covers more than 75,000 acres in the broader Santa Barbara County. The area has since been sub-divided into four separate sub-appellations: Sta. Rita Hills, Happy Canyon, Ballard Canyon, and the Los Olivos District. The Santa Ynez AVA contains a diversity of soil and climate types which contribute, in turn, to a great diversity of grape varietal and wine styles. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the most planted grape here, but Bordeaux and Rhône varieties do particularly well here.

Here’s what the wine press has to say.

92 points - Matt Kettman, Wine Enthusiast - “Soft, pleasing and rounded aromas of black currant, violet, açaí and lavender show on the nose of this blend of 57% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 8% Petite Sirah. The palate is very full and lush with polished but firm tannins, offering roasted blackberry, grilled beef and an array of purple-flower flavors.”