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The 2018 Grenache is a gorgeous wine, but it is also quite a powerhouse. Black cherry, plum, spice, tobacco and scorched earth bring out the darker side of Grenache. This decidedly muscular wine is going to need a number of years in bottle to come around. Vineyard sites are Alta Mesa, Larner and Kimsey, with the Kimsey contribution especially evident. Dollops of Mourvèdre and Syrah round out the blend. (AG)
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Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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The 2018 Grenache is a blend of 80% Grenache, 14% Mourvedre and 6% Syrah, coming from Alta Mesa vineyard (Santa Barbara County), Larner vineyard (Ballard Canyon) and Kimsey vineyard (Ballard Canyon). The wine was vinified using 65% whole cluster and aged for around 21 months in 50% new French oak barrique and 600-liter demi-muid and 50% used French barrique. The alcohol is 15.4%. Sporting a medium to deep garnet-purple color, the 2018 Grenache rolls effortlessly out of the glass with compelling scents of baked blueberries, Black Forest cake, stewed plums and bouquet garni, followed by suggestions of mocha, black olives and tar. The full-bodied palate is soft and satiny with fantastic freshness and loads of savory layers, finishing long and meaty. 300 cases and a few magnums were made.
Just about pure perfection, the 2018 Grenache is another deep ruby/purple-hued wine from this estate that has an incredible freshness paired with richness in its ripe black fruits, white and black pepper, licorice, and spice-driven aromas and flavors. Utterly seamless on the palate, it shows the pure, elegant, lively style of the vintage yet brings incredible depth and richness. It’s world class Grenache all the way and will evolve for 10-15 years in cold cellars. The 2018 checks in as 80% Grenache, 14% Mourvèdre, and 6% Syrah that saw the standard 65% whole clusters. The élevage was 21 months in 50% new barrique and 600-liter barrels.