This is a serious, oak aged, full-flavored Grenache, rather than a fruity, candied lightweight. A single vineyard rendition, it is from the Avra Vineyard, a high elevation (2,221 feet) vineyard planted in 2009 and located a short distance from the winery. On average, it yields about 2.5 tons of Grenache per acre. In 2021, the fruit was hand harvested at 25 Brix, and fermentation was by the native yeasts. Dark in color, the pretty nose shows cranberry and pomegranate along with a floral note. On the palate, it offers plenty of depth with ripe blackberry, allspice and anise. With well-integrated tannins, it concludes with a vibrant, spicy, oak tinged finish. Enjoy now, but it will probably peak in 4 to 5 years.
Weisinger Family Winery, Rogue Valley (Oregon) Grenache 2021
By Norm Roby