2011 Grenache The Ripper
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Tasting notes
Drinking beautifully, with a fabulous bouquet of kirsch liqueur, ground pepper, dried flowers and incense, the medium to full-bodied 2011 The Ripper (Grenache) is a silky, seamless and incredibly elegant Grenache that was brought up in equal parts neutral oak and concrete tanks. It will continue to drink well through 2023.
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Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
(100% grenache and 14.6% alcohol): Deep ruby. Spicy black raspberry and cherry compote on the highly perfumed nose, with zesty mineral and spice notes adding vibrancy. Deeply pitched but lively red fruit flavors show excellent clarity and sweetness, with a jolt of tangy acidity adding spine. The sappy, broad finish is shaped by smooth and harmonious tannins. This wine was raised entirely in used demi-muids.
Eric Jensen has done a fabulous job with the 2011 Ripper, no easy feat after the iconic 2010. Expressive floral notes, mint, spices and kirsch all lift out of the glass. The freshness and crystalline purity of the year come through in spades. Jensen aged the 2011 70% in cement and 30% in neutral oak, an approach that worked beautifully. Over the last few years, Ripper has established itself as one of the most distinctive Grenaches in California.