Professional Ratings
- 91 points – James Suckling: Dark cherry, blackcurrant, spice, and dried-herb aromas; medium-bodied with bright acidity, fine tannins, plum and raspberry flavors, and a fresh, refined finish.
- 91 points – Wine Enthusiast: Mulled fruit, baked red plum, cassis, dried florals, clove, juicy blackberry notes, and grippy tannins.
Blend
35% Carignan, 20% Mourvèdre, 20% Syrah, 10% Cinsault, 10% Zinfandel, 5% Grenache.
Style
Think of it as a California Rhône-inspired blend: medium-bodied, fresh rather than heavy, with red and black fruit, baking spices, herbs, and earthy complexity. The moderate alcohol (13.6%) and bright acidity keep it lively and food-friendly.
Winemaker Notes
Bruce Neyers describes exotic peach and apricot aromas layered with wild cherry, mineral notes, earth, allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg, finishing with a distinctive cherry note. The wine is fermented with native yeasts, whole clusters, and aged in neutral French oak.
Community Feedback
Wine enthusiasts on Reddit often describe Sage Canyon as a refreshing alternative to richer California red blends, praising its peppery, herbal, tart-fruit character and versatility with barbecue and grilled foods. Several commenters note it benefits from decanting.
Overall
A highly rated (91-point consensus) red blend that emphasizes freshness, spice, and Rhône-style complexity over power and oak. Excellent with grilled meats, barbecue, lamb, sausage, and Mediterranean dishes.
