2005 Rancho Arroyo Grande Deep Sea Red
Bucko’s New Releases, Randy Buckner (WineLoversPage.com)
"A blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre and Counoise. Meaty aromas are laced with black fruits and spice. Well balanced and easy to drink given its fine-grained tannins. You'll find little heat despite the 15.6 percent alcohol; 88/89." April 2009
"A blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre and Counoise. Meaty aromas are laced with black fruits and spice. Well balanced and easy to drink given its fine-grained tannins. You'll find little heat despite the 15.6 percent alcohol; 88/89." April 2009
LA Times
"This fabulous Rhone-style wine from the Central Coast is every bit as smoky and wild-tasting as a Cornas or Cote-Rotie. Deep in color, with lots of pepper and herbs jumping out of the glass, the 2005 Rancho Arroyo Grande "Deep Sea Red" is a smooth, alluring blend of 51% Syrah, 46% Mourvedre and a last soupcon of Counoise... Read the review here." (LA Times) October 2009
2007 RANCHO ARROYO GRANDE MOURVEDRE
Matt Kramer - My Wines of the Year (in Wine Spectator December 31 2010 issue)
Read the article online here, or download the .pdf here.
"Talk about a surprise. I visited this large property (3,400 acres, with 209 acres of vines) years ago when it was owned by Gary and Thereza Verboon. The vineyard had promise but the wines were unsatisfying. The site itself—tucked into the easternmost tip of the small Arroyo Grande AVA near the hills of the Santa Lucia Wilderness—is so removed that it’s very nearly feral. In 2007 the property was sold to the Conway family, which has applied a different level of ambition, demonstrated by its 2007 Mourvèdre. Now, Mourvèdre is hardly a red grape variety ardently pursued in California (it’s famous in Provence’s Bandol district). But this wine could give a top Bandol a run for its euro: dense, elegant, suffused with Mourvèdre’s signature spice and dust notes yet devoid of the sometimes excessive hardness that can accompany Mourvèdre’s famously tough tannins. Regrettably, just 125 cases could be eked out from the dry-farmed vines’ yield of .25 tons per acre. But as a signal, if you will, of a potentially great vineyard site (the superb Saucelito Canyon Vineyard is contiguous, by the way), this is a wine and a winery that you should know about." December 2010
90 Points, Wine Enthusiast
"...one of the better Mourvèdres in California. Dry and softly tannic, it offers comforting and complex flavors of berries, cherries, cocoa, pepper and cedar, with exotic notes of roasted coconut, tamari‐sautéed wild mushrooms and balsamic… ” August 2009
"...one of the better Mourvèdres in California. Dry and softly tannic, it offers comforting and complex flavors of berries, cherries, cocoa, pepper and cedar, with exotic notes of roasted coconut, tamari‐sautéed wild mushrooms and balsamic… ” August 2009
Colorado Wine News
“…aged in French oak and opens with appealing earth, briar, chocolate, cassis, and light, sweet smoke aromas, all repeat as lip smacking flavors with very fine tannin and good acidity/the long, medium broad finish adds pepper and oak. Well balanced structured and integrated. Good.” June 2009
91/91, Bucko’s New Releases, Randy Buckner (WineLoversPage.com)
“You’ll find an intense nose of berries, earth and black peppercorns. Medium bodied and impeccably balanced…” June 2009
WineSkinny.com
“…I happened to have a handful of California Mourvedre samples — not something that happens everyday — and this one was the winner, without even a close second. Full‐bodied and rich, with pretty black cherry and cassis fruit, plenty of savory spice and cedar notes, and a long, silky finish. Ready to drink now.” June 2009
Critics Platinum, 2009 Critics Challenge
“Lovely classic nose of earth, a bit of tar and pepper, and brilliant red raspberry. Firm, focused, fresh, gorgeous forward raspberry fruit, firm texture, and a bit of chewy, mildly bitter tannins. Completely balanced and true to form.” - Judge Patrick Comiskey, July 2009
Mark Oldman, Wine Educator, Mark Oldman on Facebook,
“…a gorgeous special‐occasion wine for those who like their reds rich and spicy. Notes of blackberries, pepper, and cedar lead to fine‐grained tannins and an enduring finish. Ideal for the chilly days of autumn.” August 2009
Leslie Sbrocco, Epicurious.com
“It’s rare to see varietal Mourvèdre (a Rhône grape), but this spicy, complex wine has star power.” September 2009
90 pts, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar
“Opaque ruby. Powerful, tobacco‐accented dark berry scents are complemented by cured meat and dried violet. Serious, chewy wine that offers deep bitter cherry and blackcurrant flavors, with dusty tannins lending grip. Unwinds with air to offer a sweet black raspberry quality and finishes with impressive clarity and drive. This is built to age.” November 2009
“Opaque ruby. Powerful, tobacco‐accented dark berry scents are complemented by cured meat and dried violet. Serious, chewy wine that offers deep bitter cherry and blackcurrant flavors, with dusty tannins lending grip. Unwinds with air to offer a sweet black raspberry quality and finishes with impressive clarity and drive. This is built to age.” November 2009
2007 Rancho Arroyo Grande Zinfandel
Most Likely to Succeed, Tasting Panel Magazine, December 2010
Read the article online here, or download the .pdf here.
Read the article online here, or download the .pdf here.
Named as one of the wines "Most Likely to Succeed" in the Tasting Panel's 2010 Yearbook of the Most Outstanding Wines and Spirits of the Year.
“Truly a family affair, Conway Family Wines is a labor of love for Chris and Ann Conway and their five children. The Rancho Arroyo Grande wines are made from three estate vineyards totaling more than 200 acres, set amid some of California’s most beautiful coastal scenery - a rugged landscape where wildlife, vines and humans interact in a natural way. The soil is rich in fossil shells that give the wines a distinct terroir and prove that this appellation can produce some of America’s finest and most distinctive varietals. [The 2007 Zinfandel is] dense and bursting with blackberry and cassis; juicy and balanced with great depth and concentration; sweet, spicy and ripe but nicely structured.”
94 Points, Tasting Panel Magazine, March 2010
Gold Medal, 2009 Critics Challenge
"Spicy-berry nose; dense, good tannin/fruit balance; big finish." - Judge Gerald D. Boyd. July 1, 2009
"Spicy-berry nose; dense, good tannin/fruit balance; big finish." - Judge Gerald D. Boyd. July 1, 2009
90 pts, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar
“Inky purple. Sexy aromas of blackberry, blueberry and cola, with a subtle smokiness. Fleshy and smooth, offering sweet dark berry flavors and a jolt of peppery spice. Alluringly seamless zin with strong finishing lift and lingering sweetness.” November 2009
91/91, The News Tribune
“Intense crushed raspberry and brambly aromas highlight the nose. Full, intense and jammy on the palate ‐ this is your “big boy” style of Zinfandel." May 2009
Colorado Wine News
“Was matured in French and American oak, 50% new, has a nose of blood, blackberry juice which has boiled over from backing pie, smoke, and candied ginger. Sweet flavors of blackberry,smoke, vanilla, and white pepper are laced with a very light tannin and finish… This soft, sweet Zin will be very popular.” June 2009
Vintwined
“Yes, this is the style of Zinfandel I love‐gentle, cedar and smoke with touches of plum and raspberry, ending with a long cinnamon flavor. I other words, made right‐not a high‐alcohol fruit bomb. Truly an achievement for the Central Coast.” June 2009
Wineskinny.com
“…With rich, dense blackberry and blueberry fruit layered with spicy, bittersweet chocolate, vanilla bean and toast, with a long, mouthfilling finish. Ready to drink now.” June 2009
Wine Enthusiast
“…It bursts with deep, rich flavors of blackberry pie filling, dark chocolate, anise, and black pepper…” August 2009
2008 DEEP SEA CHARDONNAY CENTRAL COAST
Gold Medal, 2010 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition - $30.00 and over
February 2010
Gold Medal, 2010 Florida International Wine and Grape Juice Competition – Chardonnay
February 2010
Wine Spies
“Complex, delicious and well balanced with bright fruit that mirrors the nose. These are set against more serious Burgundian style flavors with earthy apple skin, flint, toasty oak, vanillan and soft spice.” October 2009
Colorado Wine News
“… fermented in French Oak, 81% new, for 2.5 months. Soft aromas of oak, apple, Asian pear, lemon, and spice repeat with the exception of the Asian pear as big, mouth filling flavors which finish long and medium‐broad with lingering lemon and lemon peel. Well put together…” December 2009
90 Points, Tasting Panel Magazine, Anthony Dias Blue
"...Creamy, fresh and clean with ripe tropical fruit and a long, pure finish; stylish and balanced." May, 2010
2008 Deep Sea Chardonnay Santa Barbara County
Gold Medal, 2010 Critics Challenge International Wine Competition
May 2010
Silver Medal, 2010 Denver International Wine Competition (Chardonnay $25.01-$35.00)
September 2010
September 2010
90 Points, Wine & Spirits
August 2010
August 2010
2008 DEEP SEA CHARDONNAY SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
Silver Medal, 2010 Long Beach Grand Cru Awards
2008 Deep Sea Pinot NoiR STA. RITA HILLS
Best of Class Pinot Noir, Sommelier Challenge International Wine Competition 2010
Silver Medal, 2010 Critics Challenge International Wine Competition
"Very soft and sweet, this shows no hard edges and will be a crowd pleaser." - Michael Franz
Silver Medal, 2010 San Francisco International Wine Competition
2008 Deep Sea Pinot Noir Central Coast
Platinum Medal, Sommelier Challenge International Wine Competition 2010
Gold Medal, 2011 San Diego International Wine Competition
2008 Deep Sea Red
Gold Medal, 2011 West Coast Wine Competition
Gold Medal, 2011 San Diego International Wine Competition
Gold Medal, 2011 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Gold Medal, 2010 Denver International Wine Competition (Red Rhone Blends)
Gold Medal, 2010 Florida International Wine and Grape Juice Competition
Gold Medal, 2010 San Diego International Wine Competition
Gold Medal, 2010 San Diego International Wine Competition
Gold Medal, 2010 Long Beach Grand Cru Awards
2008 Deep Sea Sauvignon Blanc
Colorado Wine News
“..contains 4% Viognier and a portion completed maloactic fermentation and has interesting aromas of floral, talcum powder, and a green note before smooth, round, mouthfilling flavors of juicy apple accented with a green note… medium‐broad, medium‐long finish which is spicy and persistent. Well put together.” December 2009
“..contains 4% Viognier and a portion completed maloactic fermentation and has interesting aromas of floral, talcum powder, and a green note before smooth, round, mouthfilling flavors of juicy apple accented with a green note… medium‐broad, medium‐long finish which is spicy and persistent. Well put together.” December 2009
www.vintwined.com
“This wine immediately recalled ocean scents at the nose, a complex minerality and California‐esque grassiness across the palate with a lip smacking finish. I thought it was delicious.” June 2009
Highly Recommended
Dan Berger’s Vintage Experiences
“A totally fascinating approach: Monterey County SB with a distinctive herbal and grassy element straight out of the 1970’s, updated with a freshness akin to New Zealand…” July 2009
Mark Oldman, Wine Educator, Author, Mark Oldman on Facebook
“…refreshing notes of dill and honeydew, with a medium weight and plenty of the tanginess that makes Sauvignon Blanc so food friendly.” August 2009
Wineskinny.com
“Rancho Arroyo Grande 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Monterey County Deep Sea. Pungent (in a good way!) with mineral and grapefruit aromas and flavors, along with juicy orange and honeydew, and a long, crisp finish. Ready to drink now.” June 2009
“This wine immediately recalled ocean scents at the nose, a complex minerality and California‐esque grassiness across the palate with a lip smacking finish. I thought it was delicious.” June 2009
Highly Recommended
Dan Berger’s Vintage Experiences
“A totally fascinating approach: Monterey County SB with a distinctive herbal and grassy element straight out of the 1970’s, updated with a freshness akin to New Zealand…” July 2009
Mark Oldman, Wine Educator, Author, Mark Oldman on Facebook
“…refreshing notes of dill and honeydew, with a medium weight and plenty of the tanginess that makes Sauvignon Blanc so food friendly.” August 2009
Wineskinny.com
“Rancho Arroyo Grande 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Monterey County Deep Sea. Pungent (in a good way!) with mineral and grapefruit aromas and flavors, along with juicy orange and honeydew, and a long, crisp finish. Ready to drink now.” June 2009
2008 Deep Sea 'Sea Flower' Dry Rosé
Mark Oldman, Wine Educator, Mark Oldman on Facebook
“… an irresistible pink wine, dry but smooth, with an explosion of red fruit on the palate. Perfect with the pepperoni pizza we had for lunch.” August 2009
Colorado Wine News
“Eighty‐two percent of the wine was matured in French oak for eight weeks. A very sweet nose reminiscent of the syrup from frozen strawberries introduces smooth, ripe but not sweet flavors strawberry with seeds and spice at the front…” December 2009
www.vintwined.com
“A tart, dry rose that ached for a chilled butter lettuce based salad. Definitely a good “food” rosé.” June 2009
WineSkinny.com
“Rancho Arroyo Grande 2008 Rosé Central Coast Sea Flower ($24). Full‐bodied, but dry
and tart, with intense cranberry, raspberry and currant flavors laced with wet stone and spice notes. Made from Syrah (65%) and Grenache. Ready to drink now.” June 2009
“Eighty‐two percent of the wine was matured in French oak for eight weeks. A very sweet nose reminiscent of the syrup from frozen strawberries introduces smooth, ripe but not sweet flavors strawberry with seeds and spice at the front…” December 2009
www.vintwined.com
“A tart, dry rose that ached for a chilled butter lettuce based salad. Definitely a good “food” rosé.” June 2009
WineSkinny.com
“Rancho Arroyo Grande 2008 Rosé Central Coast Sea Flower ($24). Full‐bodied, but dry
and tart, with intense cranberry, raspberry and currant flavors laced with wet stone and spice notes. Made from Syrah (65%) and Grenache. Ready to drink now.” June 2009
2008 Deep Sea Viognier
Gold Medal, 2010 Sommelier Challenge International Wine Competition
Leslie Sbrocco, Epicurious.com
“Focusing on fruit from cooler coastal regions, this Viognier shows the sexy side of the variety ‐ plush but with a racy kick.” September 2009
“Focusing on fruit from cooler coastal regions, this Viognier shows the sexy side of the variety ‐ plush but with a racy kick.” September 2009
2008 DEEP SEA 'SEA FLOWER' DRY ROSÉ
Silver Medal, 2011 West Coast Wine Competition
Silver Medal, San Diego International Wine Competition
Silver Medal, Sommelier Challenge International Wine Competition 2010
Silver Medal, San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition