Weisinger Family Winery, Rogue Valley (Oregon) Grenache 2018

 Winemaker Eric Weisinger gives Grenache the royal treatment:  Sourced small single vineyard, this is minimally handled and oak aged.  Avra is a high elevation (2,221 feet) vineyard planted in 2009,  the grapes are cold soaked before being fermented with native yeasts, and over the long fermentation, the juice is punched down 2 or 3 times a day.  After settling, the wine is aged in French oak (25% new) for 17months.  The wine gets your attention quickly with its dark plum and berry aromas leading to a medium-full palate with lively flavors of dark fruit and a touch of oak spice.  The tannins are gentle and contribute to a long, long finish.  Unlike many Aussie and Spanish versions, the style leans toward subtle and multi-layered, making this a Grenache that should develop nicely over several years.