Cedarville Vineyard, El Dorado (California) Grenache 2010

I’ve followed Jonathan Lachs and Susan Marks’ work at their estate Cedarville Vineyard in the Sierra Foothills for years, and these business/life partners continue to produce polished red wines from a region typically pegged with the “rustic” tag.  Their Zinfandels always impress, but I’m most struck by their Grenache bottlings.  The 2010 has all the big, juicy cherry, dark plum and wild strawberry flavors one would expect from Grenache (which usually needs to get quite ripe before it shows its stuff), yet the wine is so balanced and crisp that the 14.9 percent alcohol measurement on the label means nothing.  Spicy and with sturdy tannins, it’s great with hearty stews and roasted meats, and is rounded enough to be enjoyed while preparing said dishes.