2013 Hammell Wine Alliance True Believer

Even better, and a blend of 56% Grenache, 23% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, 9% Petite Sirah and a splash of Viognier, the 2013 True Believer has off-the-hook notes of liquid blackberries, violets, fresh plums and crushed rocks to go with a fabulously pure, precise, ethereally textured and full-bodied style on the palate. Coming from the estate vineyard that is located just beside Bien Nacido, it was fermented with 20% whole clusters (everything was co-fermented), racked straight to barrel and aged 26 months in new French oak, before being bottled unfiltered. Hats off to winemaker Chris Hammell as this is up with some of the greatest Grenache blends I’ve tasted from California. It’s very hard to resist today, but will be better in 2-3 years and drink well for a decade after that.