SANTA BARBARA | Pathos | 2018
merlot | cabernet sauvignon | syrah
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Passion, respect for the land and the determination to innovate are the foundations on which the Santa Barbara winery was built. The name Santa Barbara pays homage to the homeland and tradition. It all started in the 6th century, when in the Byzantine city of Senigallia, a Lombardic (and therefore “barbarian”) outpost was set up. Since then, that village took the name Barbara, which is where the winery was founded.
Today we are going to review an iconic wine blend from the Marche wine region of Italy – Pathos 2018 by Santa Barbara. This wine is a harmonious blend of three grape varieties: merlot, cabernet sauvignon and syrah, where cabernet sauvignon forms the wine’s main body and structure, merlot adds up-front richness and builds a more refined mid-palate, whereas syrah enhances the wine’s color depth, adds spicy notes to the flavour profile and offers a more dynamic finish. The grapes for this wine were sourced from the estate’s vineyards planted on medium-density clay soils rich in fossils, on the slopes with north-east exposure on 250m altitude. In order to soften the tannins and add a layer of extra complexity to the final blend, the wine has been aged in french oak barrels of various sizes (225-litre barriques and 450-litre tonneau). The wine is signed by the renowned italian oenologist, Stefano Antonucci, and its name is a reference to the greek word ‘páthos‘, which means “experience, misfortune or emotion”, but also “misery, suffering or misfortune“. In english, ‘pathos‘ is the core of the word ‘pathetic‘, which usually refers to an element in an experience that makes one feel compassion, pity or sympathy. That said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:
//Visual
color: deep garnet color
clarity: hazy garnet shades
//Olfactory
intensity: pronounced & elegant
fruit character: ripe & dehydrated
On the nose, the wine entices with a rich bouquet of ripe red fruits, reminiscent of sweet cherries, red plums and cranberries, that slowly give way to hints of sun-dried cherries and dried plums. Delicate undertones of dried herbs, such as bay leaf and oregano, peek through, adding a touch of sophistication and complexity. In the background, subtle earthy notes emerge, driven by hints of loam and marl, hinting at the wine’s connection to the local terroir. The two aromatic layers are linked together by delicate notes of brown olive and dried cherry tomatoes, which acts as the final peace of a puzzle.
//Palate
sweetness: bone dry | acidity: medium+ | alcohol: high | tannin: high | balance: good
finish: long | aftertaste: seedy
The palate mirrors the nose with a burst of ripe and dehydrated red fruit flavors, intermingling with hints of dried herbs and subtle earthy notes. The crisp acidity cuts through the richness of the fruit, creating a lively mouthfeel. The tannins are slightly grippy but ripe, providing structure and balance, while a touch of alcoholic warmth adds power without overwhelming the other elements. The finish is pleasantly seedy, leaving a lingering taste of red fruits, sweet spice and earth. This is a quite rich and ample wine blend, with a well-structured mouthfeel, making it perfect for those wine enthusiasts who enjoy a wine that displays both, elegance and character.
//Verdict
maturity: in its prime | drink now or within the next 2 years
verdict: great | a must try wine | a wine that has all the traits to become legendary
All in all, this wine showcases a captivating interplay between its ripe to dehydrated fruit profile. The wine presents itself as a voluptuous, ample and round blend, with a pleasantly seedy and plump mouthfeel. While well-structured and enjoyable, the wine lacks a touch of finesse, that could elevate it to a truly exceptional level. Overall, this wine is a great choice for those who appreciate a terroir-driven offering, with a pronounced fruity character and a well balanced, ample structure.
//Scoring
SANTA BARBARA | Pathos | 2018
variety: merlot | cabernet sauvignon | syrah
country: Italy
region: Marche
rating: 94.4
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This is definitely a great wine of Italy and, with a total of 94.4 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.
Pairing: This wine’s rich fruit character, crisp acidity and seedy tannins make it a great match for dishes with bold flavors that won’t be overpowered, like for example Tournedos Rossini. The delicacy of the seared foie gras and the savory demi-glace of the dish, will be beautifully balanced by the richness of the wine’s fruit. In the same key, the wine’s crisp acidity and seedy tannins will cut through the soft textures of the meat, while the subtle herbal and earthy hints in the wine, will complement the delicate truffle flavours of the Tournedos Rossini, thus creating a harmonious and memorable dining experience. Enjoy!
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© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation.
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By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
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WineStatistics is a non-profit community. We produce independent and highly detailed wine reviews.
By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
In order to continue our work we need support from people like you. People who appreciate our contribution in spreading wine knowledge and raising wine awareness across the borders.
You may now support us by contributing with a monthly donation so that we can review even more wines.
WineStatistics is a non-profit community. We produce independent and highly detailed wine reviews.
By training ourselves to stop, take a breath, and pay attention to the subtle elements that distinguish one wine from any other, we learn an important lesson about life – that it’s worth taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that pleases us, from a glass of wine to a great work of art. It’s a simple way to learn to appreciate the little things in life that may in some small way enhance our enjoyment of every day.
In order to continue our work we need support from people like you. People who appreciate our contribution in spreading wine knowledge and raising wine awareness across the borders.
You may now support us by contributing with a yearly donation so that we can review even more wines.
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