Andrew Murray Vineyards

Profile: Proprietor of Santa Barbara County's only exclusively Rhône estate, Andrew Murray is highly regarded throughout the American wine industry as one of its finest young winemakers. Murray produces his wines from Syrah, Viognier, Mourvèdre and several other Rhône varietals grown at elevations of 1,200 to over 1,500 feet—many above the frost line. The Murray family's Southern French inspiration carries through from the vineyards to the production facility. The winery is housed in a French country manor, complete with a Provençal garden, which was designed and built to echo Murray's passion for the Rhône.

1999 Espérance
Varietal/Style: 50 percent Syrah, 45 percent Grenache, 5 percent Mourvédre
Origin: Santa Barbara County, CA
Vintage: 1999
Winemaker: Andrew Murray
Rating: 15/20
Retail Price: $22

Tasting Notes:
From the cellar of the man who made Rhône wine the fashion, this big-bodied blend offers aromas ranging from squashed blackberries and oak to fresh baked pumpernickel bread. A fruit-forward wine with a rustic bent, you'll find yourself longing for Provençal food with every sip. As a matter of fact, with its underlying tomato jam flavor, and short but distinct finish, we think this might just be the world's first wine made to marry with ratatouille!

Wine of the Week July 25, 2014:
2012 Espérance

Address:
2901 Grand Ave.
City: Los Olivos, CA 95441
Phone: 805-686-9604
www.andrewmurrayvineyards.com

Other Wineries

PCF072514

UCF72514

TOP 10 CRAFT BEERS

Sip on GAYOT's picks of the best small-production craft beers.

TOP 10 TEQUILAS UNDER $100

Sip straight or mix up a margarita with GAYOT's picks of the best tequilas under $100.