Winemaker Notes:
A superb expression of Californian Grenache — proof that the state can produce world-class examples of the variety. The nose is instantly expressive and characteristically Grenache, with aromas of raspberry, red cherry, and licorice, backed up by blackberry and black pepper from the Syrah and Mourvèdre. Those two grapes also lend a firm tannic structure to Grenache’s gentle texture, all rounded out in a long, spicy finish. A fruity, elegant expression of Grenache which will reward at least five years’ aging. To maximize fruit extraction, we used 33% whole clusters in an open-top fermenter, stomping on the whole clusters before de-stemming the rest. The wine was then aged for 16 months in French oak, 20% new.