Outward Wines 'Sendero Luminoso' Red Blend, Central Coast, California 2024

Sendero Luminoso—Spanish for “Shining Path”—is a bold reinterpretation of the classic Rhône GSM blend. Here, Grenache is replaced by Vaccarèse, a rare varietal native to Châteauneuf-du-Pape and planted in only two known vineyards in North America. This 'SVM' blend (Syrah, Vaccarèse, Mourvèdre) is both a revolution and a revelation, built from three distinct Central Coast vineyards that capture the complexity and diversity of California's terroir.

• WINEMAKER: Ryan Pace and Natalie Siddique
  
  

• FARMING: Organic practices (site-farmed Syrah from Starfire Vineyard)
  
  

• VARIETY: 60% Syrah, 30% Vaccarèse, 10% Mourvèdre
  
  

• TERROIR:
  
  

• Starfire Vineyard (Syrah) — Santa Barbara County; coastal influence with alluvial soils
  
  

• Old Oak Vineyard (Vaccarèse) — Paso Robles; rare planting on warm, rocky terrain
  
  

• Rancho Arroyo Grande (Mourvèdre) — SLO Coast; high-toned site with marine sedimentary soils
  
  

• VINIFICATION: Each variety fermented separately with site-specific methods:
  
  

• Syrah: a mix of 100% destemmed lots and carbonic fermentation
  
  

• Vaccarèse: 50% whole cluster
  
  

• Mourvèdre: 30% whole cluster
  The components were aged for 6 months in neutral oak. Bottled April 2025 without fining or filtration, using minimal sulfur.
  
  

• AGING: 6 months in neutral oak
  
  

• TASTING NOTES: Vivid aromas of blackberry, violets, cured meats, and herbs de Provence. The palate is structured yet generous, with supple tannins, deep fruit, and a savory, lingering finish.
  
  

• FOOD PAIRINGS: Grilled lamb, eggplant with za'atar, mushroom ragù, or any dish with char and umami