Grenache is all over the map in California when it comes to styles, from lean and peppery to ripe and sweet. The best, like this bottling, have elements from both ends of the spectrum. Aromas of ripe cherry and plum with fall spice are tones down by moderate oak toast and some white pepper notes, with firm tannic grip that tells me a few more years in the bottle will tame this beast of a wine. Best Grenache and a Gold Award winner at the 2015 Monterey International Wine Competition.
Santa Barbara Winery, Sta. Rita Hills (California) Grenache 2011
By Rich Cook