WHAT: “A Collaboration” Celebrating the Partnership between Whole Foods Market and top Santa Barbara County Wineries
Margerum
A fivegrape, six vineyard, 18 barrels selection blended from six Santa Barbara County vineyards – Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Counoise, and Cinsault. This wine displays aromas of blackberry and blueberry backed by hints of violets, anise and leather. On the pallet you will find blackberry backed by bright acidity and medium tannins. It is a wonderful food wine, pair with roasted pork, lamb, or even a dish of pasta. (Eve’s review: This predominantly GSM blend, as opposed to the Valdiguie below, was much more what I’m used to. A vibrant and clear light garnet color. Blast of bright cherry on the nose, as well as some of the floral mentioned above. The flavor was heavier on the Grenache than expected – not a surprise at 32% – but, as I do prefer GSMs, it was quite palatable. Tannins were not too heavy, acids were high. Young, like the next wine, both being 09s, but drinkable now.)
Hitching Post
Bold aromas of flowers, red fruits (the 73% Valdiguie), dark berries, spice and a touch of bacon (the 27% Syrah). At once old-fashioned, rustic and dramatic with a distinctive character like no other wine in my taste memory, yet bold and juicy with forward fruit and big body like a rich California “Modern” style. Not your normal Hitching Post, this one is in your face and easy to enjoy now. (Eve’s review: Yes, I agree, not a wine in my taste memory, a bit like a Beaujolais, not necessarily a Nouveau, but young. The color on the 09 vintage was a lovely ruby/purple. A little pepper on the nose, as well as the bacon mentioned above, and a bit of welcoming stemminess. The taste was a bowl of ripe berry fruit, with medium tannins. Not an immediate favorite at first taste, but, after a few minutes it grew on me.)
WHERE: Available at Whole Foods Market locations in southern California
PRICING: “A Collaboration” from Margerum Wines – Sale Price $19.99 (regular $24.99)
“A Collaboration” from Hitching Post Wines – Sale Price $12.99 (regular 14.99)
DETAILS: Demonstrating a commitment to local growers, Whole Foods Market Southern Pacific Region is launching a new wine program, “A Collaboration,” to celebrate the partnerships between Whole Foods Market and Santa Barbara County wineries. For the first in a series of wines, Whole Foods Market will partner with Margerum Wines and Hitching Post Wines to create two exclusive blends that reflect the Santa Barbara land and the wine makers approach to growing and blending. The project will highlight the tremendous variety, quality, and commitment found just up the coast in Santa Barbara.
(Disclosure: Both wines were a gift from our local Whole Foods Valencia.)
