Cormorant Cellars, Dry Creek Valley (Sonoma County, California) Grenache Blanc and Marsanne 2021

 This combination of grapes would not be uncommon in the Rhône or Provence, but it is still a novelty in California.  Fermented and aged in neutral oak, the blend tries to play on the acidity of the Grenache when picked early (64% of the blend) against the more-docile juice of Marsanne.  The result is very tasty, if somewhat unconventional – tangy, yet full-bodied and a bit viscous with flavors of orange peel and other citrus and a very spicy and crisp finish.