Brick Barn Wine Estate, Santa Ynez Valley (Santa Barbara County, California) Grenache 2017

  This is a pretty expression of Grenache – one that I wish more domestic producers would lean toward.  Winemaker Adrian Bolshoi gets plenty of color without over-extracting, which in turn keeps the fruit profile in the cherry and strawberry zone without any bitterness.  A dash of white pepper and gentle oak spice round things out, and Pinot Noir-like acidity give the finish a zesty push.  Wines like this can put a variety solidly into the minds of consumers as a desirable commodity.  Nicely done!