Varietals:
65% Grenache, 18% Syrah, 15% Cinsault, 2% Petite Sirah

AVA: Central Coast, CA

Ventana 42%, Alta Loma 23%, Chalk Knoll 18%, Loma del Rio 8%, Rick's 7%, Sin Falta 2%

ABV: 14.4%

Winemaker Notes: "In cool years the Grenache is enormously pretty and fragrant. This was the first year of production for the Cinsault and it was thinned multiple times both for enhanced concentration and evenness of ripening. The cooler climate gives the Cinsault a wonderful articulation of flavor, but what is most noteworthy is the fact that we were able to co-ferment the Cinsault with Syrah. Something magical happens with Cinsault and Syrah marry; the healthy tannin titer from the Syrah seems to give more structure to the Cinsault and helps to stabilize color. The spicy licorice component from the Syrah is a perfect foil to the Griotte cherry derived from the Cinsault." -Randall Grahm (Director of Winemaking/Founder)

Label Art: Vineyard artwork from 1855 edition of "Bordeaux Chateaux" . Spaceship courtesy of Jules Verne circa 1870. 

Story: In 1954, the village council of Chateauneuf-du-Pape was quite perturbed and apprehensive that flying saucers or "flying cigares" might do damage to their vineyards, were they to land therin. So right-thinking men all, they passed an ordinance prohibiting the landing of flying saucers or flying cigares in their vineyards. The ordinance further states that flying saucers or flying cigares that did land were to be taken immediately to the pound.