I love new winery projects that impress. Such is the case with Saint K Wines, Founder Chris Kiranbay grew up in the Middle East and has a longstanding history in the wine industry. A trip to Napa inspired a move across country to California. Chris worked a harvest there and visited Paso Robles back in 2010. Working in fine dining, as well as a wine brokerage, he began working for Herman Story Wines in 2013, and subsequently began making some of his own wines.
I love the new 2020 Saint K ‘Around the Way’ Rose (OB, 91) which has gorgeous freshness and finesse with seriously good range. Even better is the sinfully good 2019 Saint K ‘Everything Is Under Control’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 93) which like the name states, shows great freshness despite its full-throttle demeanor. Learn more about this fantastic boutique winery at https://www.burkewine.comHere are my reviews of the great new Saint K wines.
2020 Saint K ‘Around the Way’ Rose- Made from Mourvedre grapes, this shows off a beautiful texture with great lift and vibrant acidity. Soft red fruits collide with rose water, melon and orange rind tones on the palate. This is seriously good, vibrant Rose. Drink 2021-2026- 91
2020 Saint K ‘Flower Bomb’ Malvasia Blanc- Extremely floral, just as the wine suggests, the honeysuckle and ripe peach tones aromatically impress. The palate is beautifully seamless with a silky texture and gobs of melon and citrus fruits that connect w int stony minerals. This will get more earthy with some age as the weight and acidity suggest some cellaring potential. Drink 2021-2029- 92
2019 Saint K ‘Like The Snows of Yesteryear’ Sangiovese- Truly a unique and outstanding Sangiovese wine that is sourced from the White Hawk Vineyard, this shows off roasted fig flavors alongside minerals, tar and shades of menthol on the palate. Firm tannins hold everything in place brilliantly. The bright acidity and citrus rind accents add to the enjoyment here, as this compelling new wine will cellar well over the next eight years. Drink 2021-2029- 93
2019 Saint K ‘Everything Is Under Control’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from the Rangeland Vineyard, this Cabernet Sauvignon was aged in 33% New French oak for 18 months before bottling. It comes up inky in the glass, delivering rich cassis, anise and blackberry compote flavors with tar undertones. Full-throttle and delicious to savor now, with good freshness, this has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2021-2032- 93