2019 Sunstone Founders Reserve

The 2019 Sunstone Founders Reserve is a Bordeaux-style blend that showcases the winemaking prowess of Brittany Rice at Sunstone Winery. Nestled in California’s picturesque Santa Ynez Valley, Sunstone has cultivated a reputation for producing wines that embody the spirit of the region while paying homage to Old World traditions.

Very Good

93

Our Rating

N/A

Vivino Score

Price

$ 0

☆☆☆☆☆ 4/5

Value Rating

Crafted predominantly from Merlot (82%) with a complement of Cabernet Franc (18%), this wine exemplifies the nuanced interplay between these two noble varieties. The result is a wine with both structure and elegance, designed to age gracefully until 2035.

The Santa Ynez Valley is a dynamic wine-growing region in California, known for its cool coastal influences and varied soils. This wine captures the essence of the region through its ripe yet balanced fruit profile, demonstrating how the unique climate can elevate Bordeaux varietals.

Brittany Rice – Keeping it in the Family

Brittany Rice, the Director of Winemaking at Sunstone Winery, has a rich history in viticulture and winemaking that spans several decades. As the daughter of Sunstone’s founders, Fred and Linda Rice, Brittany’s immersion in the wine industry began early. In 1990, she assisted in planting the family’s first Merlot vines on their estate in the Santa Ynez Valley. By the age of 16, she was already serving wine to visitors in the Sunstone tasting room, gaining firsthand experience in both vineyard management and customer engagement.

Initially pursuing studies in fine arts and photography, Brittany’s passion for food and wine led her to the California Culinary Academy, where she earned a degree in Culinary Arts, Cordon Bleu. This culinary background enriched her understanding of flavor profiles and the intricate relationship between food and wine.

Brittany’s formal journey into winemaking commenced in 1999 when she began working in the cellar at Sunstone Vineyards & Winery. Under the mentorship of esteemed winemaker Daniel Gehrs, she honed her skills over a decade, eventually ascending to the role of winemaker in 2005. During this period, she crafted varietals such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, contributing significantly to Sunstone’s portfolio.

Tasting Notes

Look

Clarity: Brilliantly clear, offering a pristine view of the wine’s deep garnet color.
Color Intensity: Bold and rich, indicative of the wine’s concentration and complexity.
Viscosity: High, with thick, slow-moving legs that hint at the wine’s structure and alcohol content.

Smell

Primary Aromas: Lush black cherry and ripe plum dominate, with a savory edge of olive and oregano.
Secondary Aromas: Layers of oak, mocha, and cinnamon add warmth and depth.
Tertiary Aromas: Subtle notes of forest floor and black pepper emerge, a nod to its aging potential.
Aromatic Intensity: Pronounced, with a bouquet that captivates and evolves over time.

Taste

Flavor Profile: Black cherry and plum take center stage, enriched by accents of olive, cinnamon, and coffee. A touch of oak provides structure without overshadowing the fruit.
Sweetness: Dry, with no residual sugar.
Acidity: Medium, lending freshness and balance.
Tannins: Medium-plus, firm yet refined, providing a sturdy backbone.
Body: Full-bodied, with a rich and velvety mouthfeel.
Alcohol: Medium-plus, offering warmth and balance without excess heat.
Finish: Exceptionally long, leaving echoes of dark fruit and spice on the palate.

This refined Bordeaux-style blend is a compelling interplay of fruit, spice, and earthy complexity, offering a vibrant yet sophisticated tasting experience.

In Conclusion

In the realm of Bordeaux-style blends, the 2019 Sunstone Founders Reserve holds its own against more established counterparts from Napa Valley and Bordeaux itself. Its moderate alcohol and restrained oak influence differentiate it from some New World Merlots, which can lean heavily toward overt ripeness. Instead, Sunstone has struck a balance, offering the lush fruit expected from California with a nod to Old World elegance and complexity.

At $65 per bottle, the 2019 Sunstone Founders Reserve represents an investment in quality and craftsmanship. Its 93-point score from the Cork and Journey panel validates its pedigree, while its nuanced blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc ensures it stands out in a crowded field of California reds.

Whether savored now or cellared for a special occasion, this wine is a fitting tribute to the skill and vision of Brittany Rice and the team at Sunstone Winery.

Country

USA

Regions

San Ynez Valley

Varietal

Merlot

Alcohol

13.9

Winemaker

Brittany Rice

Serve

62–68°F / 16–20°C

Glass Type

Large Bordeaux

Decant

1 Hour

DRINK

Now to 2035

Winery

Sunstone