Our Rating
Sta. Rita Hills
GMS
The 2019 vintage of Second Street Cuvée is a Rhône-style red built on Santa Barbara County fruit, blending 40% Grenache, 40% Mourvèdre, and 20% Syrah. It hails from the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, a coastal zone better known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but one that can also produce assertive, structured reds when conditions allow. With 14.7% alcohol, a dark fruit profile, and firm tannic grip, this wine delivers depth and power in a style that rewards decanting and pairs well with richer fare.
Crawford Family Wines is a small-production label based in the Sta. Rita Hills, founded by Mark and Wendy Horvath. The winery focuses on site-specific expressions from Santa Barbara County vineyards, producing limited lots that highlight the character of both vineyard and vintage. Originally built around Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the portfolio has expanded to include Rhône varietals from neighboring Ballard Canyon and beyond. Their hands-on, low-intervention winemaking reflects a “garagiste” approach, emphasizing detail over scale.
Mark Horvath’s path to winemaking began in Sonoma Valley, where he rose from cellar worker to lab technician at Carmenet Winery. Formal training at UC Davis and years under Bryan Babcock in Santa Barbara honed his practical skills. Before founding Crawford Family Wines, Horvath co-founded Kenneth-Crawford Wines, helping shape early perceptions of Rhône varietals in the region. Today, his work balances small-batch craftsmanship with vineyard transparency, showcasing his technical range and regional fluency.
Look
The wine pours a deep garnet hue with high viscosity in the glass, suggesting elevated alcohol and extract. Clarity is clean and precise.
Smell
Pronounced aromatics center on black fruit—blackberry, plum, and black currant—layered with coffee grounds, leather, and charred wood. A dusting of earthy tones, including smoke and a soil-like undertone, adds dimension.
Taste
On the palate, ripe cherry and blackberry take the lead, followed by raspberry brightness that lifts the darker fruit base. Notes of oak, cedar, and dark chocolate frame the fruit, while leather and a hint of bitterness lend a rustic edge. The tannins are medium-plus and firm, contributing to a drying finish that lingers. Acidity is modest, making the structure lean more on tannin and alcohol. The wine exhibits power and concentration, although the balance leans toward weight over finesse.
The 2019 Second Street Cuvée is a concentrated red with robust fruit, layered aromatics, and a firm, full-bodied structure. While not seamless, its assertive profile and clear varietal character make it a worthwhile option for fans of Southern Rhône blends produced in a California context. Best enjoyed with a decant and hearty dishes, this wine will continue to evolve through 2029.
USA
Sta. Rita Hills
GMS
14.7
30 Minutes - 1 Hour
Now to 2029
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