Outward 'Sendero Luminoso', Central Coast, California

Fresh, savory, and distinctly Rhône-inspired, 2025 Outward 'El Sendero Luminoso' reimagines the classic GSM formula by replacing Grenache with the rare Vaccarèse. The blend brings together 60% Syrah, 30% Mourvèdre, and 10% Vaccarèse from three organically farmed Central Coast vineyards. Each variety receives a tailored fermentation, including varying amounts of whole cluster and a carbonically fermented Syrah component, before selected barrels are assembled after six months in neutral oak. At 13% ABV, the result combines raspberry and blackberry fruit with violets, Provençal herbs, and Syrah's distinctive savory character, carried by supple tannins and a long finish.

Product Details:

• Owners & Winemakers: Natalie Siddique and Ryan Pace
• Grapes: 60% Syrah, 30% Mourvèdre, 10% Vaccarèse
• Vineyards: Starfire Vineyard, Derby Vineyard, Old Oak Vineyard
• Farming: Organically farmed
• Fermentation: Native yeast
• Syrah Vinification: Blend of fully destemmed fruit and a carbonically fermented lot
• Mourvèdre Vinification: 10% whole cluster
• Vaccarèse Vinification: 50% whole cluster
• Aging: 6 months in neutral oak before final barrel selection and blending
• Fining & Filtration: Unfined and unfiltered
• Sulfur: Minimal sulfur at bottling
• Bottling: March 2026
• Production: 240 cases
• Residual Sugar: 0.1 g/L
• Total Acidity: 5.6 g/L
• pH: 3.7
• ABV: 13%

Sensory Description:

Raspberry and blackberry lead an expressive nose layered with violets, herbs de Provence, and a savory suggestion of bacon fat. The palate brings together ripe red and black fruit with floral lift and Mediterranean herbal character, while the different whole-cluster treatments contribute additional aromatic complexity and structure. Syrah provides the wine's dark fruit and savory core, Mourvèdre adds depth and earthiness, and Vaccarèse brings another dimension of spice and freshness. Supple tannins keep the texture fluid and approachable, leading into a lengthy, savory finish.

Winemaker's Background:

Outward Wines is the partnership of Natalie Siddique and Ryan Pace, who founded the project in 2016 with just two barrels of Syrah. The pair met through rock climbing, an enduring passion that informs both the Outward name and the adventurous landscapes depicted on its labels. Pace grew up around California wine, studied Wine & Viticulture at Cal Poly, worked harvests in several countries, and spent seven years at Byron Winery in the Santa Maria Valley. Siddique came to wine from a background in international relations and the climbing industry before gaining harvest experience on the Central Coast and in Chile. Today they produce small-lot wines intended to explore the diversity of California's Central Coast, farming several sites themselves while sourcing from growers who share their commitment to thoughtful agriculture. All vineyards they work with are farmed organically at minimum, while cellar work centers on native yeast, old French oak, minimal inputs, and bottling without fining or filtration. El Sendero Luminoso, named for a rock climb the couple completed in El Potrero Chico, Mexico, applies that philosophy to a distinctive Central Coast interpretation of a Rhône blend.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at approximately 15 to 17 degrees Celsius in a generous red wine glass. A brief 20 to 30 minute decant can help the youthful floral, fruit, and savory aromas expand. Pair with grilled lamb, roast pork, duck, sausages, charcuterie, grilled mushrooms, lentils, or dishes seasoned with rosemary, thyme, and other Mediterranean herbs. Its moderate 13% alcohol, supple tannins, and combination of fruit and savory character also make it well suited to lightly charred foods from the grill.