Folded Hills, Santa Ynez Valley (Central Coast, California) Grenache 2015

 This mid-weight wine is a delight, delivering charming red berry fruit-like flavors intermingled with earthy herbal notes.  A blend of Grenache (95%) and Syrah, it positively dances on the palate.  Tannins are mild, but provide plenty of structure and the bright acidity keeps it fresh and lively.  The label indicates the alcohol precisely — 13.03 percent — so I suspect they’re not taking advantage of the 1 to 1.5 percent wiggle room the law allows.  Plus, it tastes it.  This is, thankfully, not a powerhouse filled with over ripe and sweet flavors so common among current California Rhone type wines.  Other winemakers should take note — you can get plenty of flavor at reasonable levels of alcohol.