Wine Spectator

THREAD Santa Barbara County 2007
Fresh grapey berry and strawberry notes are rich and medium- to full-bodied. Well-balanced and structured, more elegant than deep. Syrah and Grenache. 100 cases made. —J.L.

Winehound Futures Catalog

Many hands and vineyards contribute to the creation of this half Syrah/half Grenache Blend:  the four industrious winemakers (where do they find they time?) making Thread are Blair Fox, Dave Potter, Mikael Sigouin and Larry Schaffer, and they utilized Paradise Road, Tierra Alta, Larner and Camp Four vineyards to fashion this medium-bodied blend.  This is their inaugural release, an exclusive to our tasting and we’re excited to present it, so for the first time anywhere…

Thread 2007 Red Blend Santa Barbara County  100 cases produced

Right now, the Grenache seems to be the dominant varietal here, with cocoa and juicy red raspberry/cherry fruit acquiescing to darker elements (plum, blueberry) as air transforms it. Syrah usually doesn’t hide in the shadows:  here it can be coaxed out of its shell with  decanting, vigorous swirling or, if you have the patience, a year in the cellar untouched.  The luxurious entry on the palate leads to a grippiness that suggests a little more bottle aging would benefit this outgoing blend:  the stuffing is there, though.

Young Winos of LA

Just call it the “supergroup” of wines: the 2007 Thread (Santa Barbara County), a 50/50 combo of Grenache and Syrah, is a joint-production of some of our favorite Santa Barbara winemakers, each of whom contributed grapes to the final mix. The Grenache was courtesy of Larry Schaffer (Camp 4 Vineyard) and Kaena’s Mikael Sigouin (Larner Vineyard). On the Syrah side, grapes came by way of Blair Fox (Paradise Road Vineyard) and Wino extrodinaire Dave Potter of Municipal (Tierra Alta Vineyard). The wine peacocked a nice bright purple hue in the glass, and offered up a nose of whole wheat toast, black licorice, ripe plums, and a touch of smoke. On the palate, the Thread served up some great raspberry and blackberry jam action, along with a tremendously chewy, velvety texture, all contributing to an overall chocolate truffle character. “It’s warm and fuzzy,” I said out loud. “It’s like getting back in the warm blankets just two minutes after you got out of them.”

Wine Cask Futures Catalog

This is the first release of a great, new label conceived and brought to life by winemakers, Blair Fox (Blair Fox Vineyards), Larry Schaffer (tercero wines), Dave Potter (Municipal Winemakers) and Mike Sigouin (Kaena, Beckmen ).  These gentlemen met while working for Fess Parker and have had the opportunity to grow so much as winemakers as a result of their collaboration. It makes perfect sense that they have all teamed up to create a new wine. The idea behind “Thread” is not only the connection between the winemakers, but also that each individual has a strong passion for Syrah or Grenache, and therefore each contributes a wine of their personal favorite varietal: Blair Fox and Dave Potter supply Syrah while Larry Schaffer and Mikael Sigouin give Grenache…

100 cases produced. Succulent, dark-fruit palette, balanced by tannins that are subtly pronounced yet non-imposing.  Black cherries and chocolate cake come to mind with every whiff.  There is a soft, Earthy characteristic in this blend, even though it is mostly a masculine red.  Also present are light anise and allspice hints with a strong finish of vanilla and sandalwood.  For many reasons this wine seems destined for stardom so enjoy at this price while you can!