Curran, Santa Barbara County (California) Grenache Blanc 2019

 Working closely with several vineyards in Santa Barbara, winemaker Kris Curran has been a champion of Grenache Blanc for close to a decade.  She was the force behind the string of Pinot Noirs from Sea Smoke before venturing off on her own.  What I like about Grenache Blanc is its combination of liveliness and savoury texture.  Curran’s 2019 is a perfect example.  It opens with fresh cut green apple and mango primary aromas along with a background notes of ginger and lemon.  But on the plate, it is rich, smooth and with its youthful fruit flavors, is a sheer delight.  Refreshing and delicious, it is a super picnic or sipping wine but has the stuffing to serve with Chinese fare.