Doug Margerum has been involved in the Santa Barbara food and wine scene for over 35 years. Doug launched the Santa Barbara WINE CASK Futures Program in 1984, named after his highly acclaimed restaurant, which elevated the exposure nationally of Santa Barbara Wine Country. From’86-’98 Doug partnered with fellow SB pioneers, Bob Lindquist {Qupé} and Jim Clendenen {Au Bon Climat}. In 2001, Doug ventured out on his own, opening Marguerum Wine Company behind Brander Vineyards. The philosophy: return wine making to its previous form of production – handcrafted and personal. The scale of production is kept at a level where they can touch and know the wine as it is raised to the bottle.

M5 White is similar to a White Rhône blend like Châteauneuf-du-Pape. M is for Margerum, 5 is for 5 grapes: Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussane, Viognier and Picpoul.  You will see a slight straw and golden hues with a viscosity that clings to the glass as it is swirled. M5 White has a full, round and texture that is pleasing with ample acidity to balance the richness that will continue to evolve with time in bottle. Each component was fermented separately in neutral French oak barriques, puncheons and a bit of stainless steel, then aged on fine lees for 8 months. A small portion of the wine was allowed to go through malolactic fermentation to increase mouthfeel.

GRAPES: 50% Grenache Blanc / 22% Roussanne / 15% Marsanne / 12% Viognier / 1% Picpoul Blanc

AROMA: Apricots, white floral, sweet honey, hints of brioche toast, sweet pea flowers and pineapple

PALATE: Full, round and pleasing with ample acidity to balance the richness that will continue to evolve with time in bottle. Flavors of apple, wet stone and a touch of peach nectar engage with a lovely long persistent finish that lingers.