Le P'tit Pape is produced from grapes that are sourced from four vineyard sites in Monterey, San Benito counties, with soils based on granite and/or siliceous. The wine offers aromas of bright red fruits, cherry, cranberry, pomegranate, underripe strawberries, followed by smoky meat characteristics with black pepper. Acid-tannin tension follow, then, brightens in the mid palate, with candied red raspberries. White pepper enters the experience, with dried herbs, bay leaf, and thyme joining the line-up. Finishes umami, soy and hoisin, savory and bright.
Pork, chicken, spice
"This blend of 52% Grenache, 36% Syrah and 12% Mourvèdre speaks so strongly to the terroir of the Central Coast as it is loaded from nose to finish with dewy sagebrush, crisp freshness and peppery spice. It begins with aromas of raspberry, pomegranate and herb, then settles comfortably into a firmly textured palate of oregano, pepper, sandalwood and more red fruit. - Matt KETTMANN"
- Wine Enthusiast (July 1st 2020), 93 pts + Editor's Choice
"Clean raspberry and strawberry aromas are lifted by a pinch of pepper and fresh marjoram on the nose of this blend of 57% Grenache, 34% Syrah, 6% Mourvèdre and 3% Counoise. Tart cranberry and strawberry flavors are quite fresh on the palate, but there are also savory hints of meat and white pepper. - Matt KETTMANN"
- Wine Enthusiast (October 1st 2020), 93 pts
"Ian Brand's flagship bottling just keeps getting better, yet stays reasonably priced. Light in the glass, this blend of 65% Grenache, 26% Syrah, 7% Mourvèdre and 2% Counoise offers lovely aromas of strawberry, red plum, white pepper, wild tomato and forest floor. It's taut in texture on the sip, holding cranberry and strawberry flavors in check, as dried sagebrush carries through the finish. - Matt KETTMANN"
- Wine Enthusiast (March 1st 2019), 93 pts, Editors' Choice
"Ian Brand is dedicated to making great, regionally expressive wines at affordable price points, and this food-friendly blend of 62% Grenache, 19% Syrah, 14% Mourvèdre, 3% Counoise and 2% Cinsault is the centerpiece. Aromas of wild thyme, sagebrush and cranberry lead into a lighter yet lively palate full of chaparral spice, cracked pepper and zesty red fruit. Serve with anything."
- Wine Enthusiast (June 2018), 92 pts, Editors' Choice
"Pairs elegant fruit with a zesty sense of gaminess, accented by dried cherry, smoky dried herb and subtle leather hints that take on richness toward the refined tannins. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Counoise and Cinsault. Drink now through 2024. 1,580 cases made. –TF"
- Wine Spectator (April 2018), 91 pts
Ian and Heather Brand founded I Brand Family Wines in Central Coast California in 2008. Ian’s first winery job was with Bonny Doon Winery; he then went to work for ...
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