2019 Sanguis Grenache Verve

The 2019 Verve checks in as 80% Grenache, 17% Syrah, and a splash of Roussanne. Its light ruby hue has a slightly washed out amber rim, while mulled cherries, black olive, licorice, baking spices, and assorted meaty notes all define the aromatics. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied and has a round, supple, elegant texture and nicely polished tannins. The balance as well as the texture are spot on, and it's certainly a unique wine. It has a certain evolved style, yet I suspect it will still age for at least 7-8 years. It’s always a blast tasting through the lineup from Matthias Pippig, and while it’s always a little bit of a roller coaster given the divergent varieties and styles, the wines never lack for character.

The 2019 Verve is comprised of Grenache, Syrah and Roussanne vinified with around 45% whole clusters and matured in seasoned puncheons. Medium garnet in color, it's scented of mushroom powder, graphite, tar and tobacco leaves with a core of dried cherries and orange peel. Powdery and fresh, the medium-bodied palate offers layers of fruit, earth and spice that haunt the extended finish. This was picked in several passes, some earlier and some later, to capture a fuller expression of ripeness.