Jaffurs has done a fine job with his 2008 Grenache. Medium/dark ruby, with a classic kirsch liqueur nose and hints of licorice and spice, the wine is generous, rich, slightly rustic by Jaffurs’ standards, but seductive and medium to full-bodied. It reminds me of a French Cotes du Rhone. Drink it over the next 2-3 years. One of Santa Barbara’s superstar wineries, Jaffurs has been on fire over recent vintages. Craig Jaffurs is certainly one of the pedal-to-the-metal, brilliant young winemakers in Santa Barbara, and his wines reflect his commitment to quality and dedication to such extraordinary grapes as Syrah, Grenache, Viognier, and Roussanne. Grenache is probably the second most difficult grape in the world to produce high quality wine from (with Nebbiolo first). Tel. and Fax (805) 962-7003

A beautiful and charming wine. The aromas and flavors are exotic, suggesting rhubarb pie, cherry, white chocolate and smoke. It is gentle and lilting, with a firm spine of acidity, and one of the best Grenaches out there.