I was initially interested in writing a wine review of this red blend, mostly because it was called Stone Oven Red. I had visions of a pleasant fall sunset while sitting out on the patio, drinking wine and baking pizza in a rustic stone oven. This wine is produced in one of my favorite California regions, the Santa Ynez Valley, which is at the center of Santa Barbara County. The climate for growing luscious grapes is ideal, with mountain ranges to the east and west and the Santa Ynez River running into the Pacific Ocean creating cool, foggy evenings. The California sun warms the vines during the day and the result is a balance of fog and sunshine that keeps the grapes on the vine longer to ripen.
It is here in this valley that Roblar Winery and Vineyards sit on 40 acres producing estate varietals including Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Sangiovese, Syrah, Grenache, Mouvedre, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Winemaker, Bryan Davison’s philosophy is that great wines begin in the vineyard with a focus on creating quality-driven, small limited production lots.
Aged in oak for 18 months, the 2015 Stone Oven Red (purchased $25.00, 14.7% alc.) is a blend of 78% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 2% Mouvedre. Pouring the wine into the glass, the color was a luscious dark red. The aromas initially detected were dark berry (blackberries), with a slight hint of spice. Tasting the wine, the flavors were dark cherry, plum and vanilla, and it filled the mouth. The finish was long, dry and satisfying. This was a well-balanced, food friendly, easy to drink wine. 244 cases were produced. And although we don’t have a stone oven out on the patio, we did enjoy this wine with a rustic, stone oven baked pizza.
Roblar owners Stephen and Denise Adams have built a 5,000 square foot tasting room with an indoor-outdoor stone fireplace that overlooks well landscaped gardens. They encourage gatherings of friends to enjoy good wine and good food. Roblar Wine Club members and large groups can enjoy the Potting Shed, a converted shed space next to the herb garden. For corporate meetings, private dining, and special events, the Barrel Room has an inviting rustic décor with a long banquet table. In addition to Roblar, the Adamses own other wineries under the Adams Wine Group including Sonoma’s Adler Fels and Adamvs in the Napa Valley.
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