Varietal of the Month: Grenache

 

Grenache is a wonderful and versatile varietal all on it’s own, but its claim to fame is its use as one of the fundamental grapes in the highly regarded French Rhone blend Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Grenache is a medium bodied red wine with moderate acidity, and bright red fruit and strawberry flavors. The tannin structure can range from light and smooth to more pronounced depending on the climate in which it is grown.

 

Here are capsule reviews of Grenache wines you may find along the Wine Road.

 

 

Amista 2022 Grenache, Morningsong Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley

 

The Amista 2022 Grenache, Morningsong Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley is a harbinger of Spring with a fresh floral nose composed of plum blossom, red raspberry, a hint of clove, juniper and strawberry. On the palate, notes both sweet and savory come forward with hibiscus flower, dried strawberry, juniper and a flavor sensation like that of a fine confectionary made of dusty rose petals and fine pea gravel. That may sound weird, but trust me—it’s delicious—delicate and balanced. It has great structure with soft acidity and medium tannins on a long fine spicy finish. Pair with Croque Monsieur sandwich, a melted marvel composed of French ham and Gruyère cheese.

 

ABV 14.7%

$52

 

Capo Creek 2021 Estate Grenache, Dry Creek Valley

 

The Capo Creek 2021 Estate Grenache, Dry Creek Valley opens with a nose of dried rose petals and the bright scent of red cherry, strawberry compote, plum, clove and violets. It also has a luxe scent like that of a fine bag made of pebbled Nappa leather— deep and earthy. On the palate, a soft acidity with herbal notes of rosemary and thyme mingle with flavors of sweet plum, warm fig newton and a touch of strawberry. Medium tannins and a spicy finish make this a sure thing for pairing with a hearty Moroccan stew.

 

ABV 14.2%

$ 85

 

David Coffaro 2022 Grenache, Dry Creek Valley

 

The David Coffaro 2022 Grenache, Dry Creek Valley is aromatic and bursting with scents of ripe red and black cherries, candied lavender, Madagascar vanilla and a spice mix of clove, nutmeg and white pepper. On the palate it’s supple and savory full of juicy plum, strawberry, blood orange peel, cinnamon, piecrust and a bit of figgy pudding. Great texture with a long dry finish and soft tannins. Pair with curried empanadas.

 

ABV 15.0%

$35

 

Davis Family Vineyards 2021 Grenache, Dry Creek Valley

 

The Davis Family Vineyards 2021 Grenache, Dry Creek Valley is seductive and bold with aromas of sugarplum, rose petals, dried herbs, raspberry, sage and sandalwood. Like the atelier of a master perfume maker, the scents mingle and blend in the most amazing ways. On the palate a range of flavors from red cherry, and dried strawberry to black olive, lavender, thyme, and black tea. Supple and silky body texture with light tannins and acidity that support a smooth and spicy finish. Pair with Liberty duck and cherry-pomegranate sauce.

 

ABV 13.9%

$53

 

The Meeker Vineyard 2022 Grenache North Coast

 

If Willy Wonka made wine it would probably be as whimsical and magical as The Meeker Vineyard 2022 Grenache. It has a dreamscape of scents with a soft perfumed nose of vanilla, musk, strawberry-anise, spicy carnation and clove. On the palate, blackcherry, dried strawberry, spun sugar, fig and a tangy herbal note of sour red cherry and thyme. Great texture with medium acidity, soft tannins and a zesty, piquant finish. Pair with something sweet and savory like a Summer berry pie or poached pears. And for the record—I’m team Gene Wilder all the way, Depp and Chalamet have their moments but nothing beats the OG Willy Wonka of 1971.

 

ABV 14.6%

$36

 

Moshin Vineyards 2021 Grenache, Scotts Creek Vineyard, Russian River Valley

 

The Moshin Vineyards 2021 Grenache, Scotts Creek Vineyard, Russian River Valley is like a cheerful song you can’t stop humming. It has a lyrical nose of rose petals, plum, strawberry, black cherry, sunshine and sage. On the palate a big bang of rich flavors with red plum, pomegranate, raspberry and clove. The light tannins and juicy acidity bring forward notes of leather and crushed gravel with a warm peppery finish. It’s smooth and soft like the lyrics to Soft Kitty! (Soft Kitty, Warm Kitty, little ball of fur, Happy Kitty, Sleepy Kitty, Purr purr purr...) If Sheldon drank wine he’d pair this with mee krob and chicken satay with extra peanut sauce.

 

ABV 13.3%

$35

 

Peterson 2017 GSM, Dry Creek Valley 

 

The Peterson 2017 GSM, Dry Creek Valley has a scent that is dusty and floral with a touch of saddle leather and a lovely whiff of herbs that smell like sage and chaparral with a note of petrichor. It’s like riding horseback through the high dessert after a light rain. On the palate it’s popping with complexity presenting flavors of raspberry, blackberry and spicy plum sauce. Saddle up and enjoy the ride as this wine takes you on a sensory journey to flavor land. Pair with barbecued ribs slathered with a tangy tomato based sauce with maple, apple-cider vinegar, and brown sugar.

 

ABV 14.7%

$40

 

Varietal of the Month: Sauvignon Blanc

 

Sauvignon Blanc is one of the Noble Grapes noted for its high acidity and aromatics. Flavors range from lean, green and grassy; to creamy with notes of passion fruit and fleshy peach depending on climate and how the wine is aged be it in stainless steel or oak. Texture is the name of the game with Sauvignon Blanc, serve cold and prepare to be refreshed. When it comes to food pairing—Sauvignon Blanc is the ultimate flex, versatile and accommodating to a vast array of foods from oysters on the half shell to cheese and charcuterie, and even tomato based dishes. 

Here are some capsule reviews of Sauvignon Blanc you may find along the Wine Road.

J. Bucher 2022 Bucher Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley

The J. Bucher 2022 Bucher Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc from Russian River Valley shines in the glass with a bright straw gold color. On the nose a profusion of bright scents including honeydew, peach, guava, marigold, and passion fruit. On the palate the first word that comes to mind is—Yummy! It’s rich with flavors of grapefruit, creamy peach, ginger and salty lemon with a light acidity that ties it all together like the rug in the Dude’s apartment. Both sweet and tart with a soft mouth feel and a hint of salted butter on the finish. Pair with Scallop Ceviche.

AVB 13.0%
$38

David Coffaro 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Creek Valley

The David Coffaro 2022 Sauvignon Blanc from Dry Creek Valley is a pale gold in color. It has a beautiful soft scent with notes of guava, white peach, chalk, passion fruit and a touch of warm spun sugar that is immensely engaging. On the palate initial hints of chalk and grapefruit make way for juicy, crisp notes of nectarine, peach and ginger with a wonderful salinity. Complex and exciting, 9% of Riesling gives it a great lift and balance to the zesty citrus acidity that is characteristic of Sauvignon Blanc. Pair with Panzanella Salad.

ABV 14.4%
$28

Dry Creek Vineyard 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Creek Valley

The Dry Creek Vineyard 2021 Sauvignon Blanc from Dry Creek Valley, is blended from the clones of Sauvignon Musqué and Sauvignon Gris and is a veritable Master Class in texture and classic flavor profiles. On the nose creamy peach, warm amber passion fruit, ginger and guava with a spicy note of pink peppercorn. On the palate it’s juicy, bright and vibrating with spikey acidity, featuring flavors of honeydew melon, peaches & cream, tart citrus and a light kick of jalapeño. Go with a classic pairing—oysters on the half shell.

ABV 14.1%
$25

Orsi Family 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Creek Valley

The Orsi Family 2021 Sauvignon Blanc from Dry Creek Valley has a pale yellow color with a slight green tinge at the rim. Tropical notes of grapefruit, pineapple and guava co-mingle with a chalky salinity that brings to mind saltine crackers. On the palate the flavors coalesce with with notes of ginger, honeydew melon, a bit of grapefruit pith and a lithe herbal quality that rings of pea shoots and sage. Pair with Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Chimichurri.

ABV 13.5%
$28

Pedroncelli 2022 Giovanni & Giulia Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Creek Valley

The Pedroncelli 2022 Giovanni & Giulia Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Creek Valley is a pale yellow gold color, with qualities both bright and savory. The nose is a sensory wonder wall with notes of lemon peel, ginger, warm peach cobbler, and tropical notes of pineapple and guava. On the palate, a quenching combination of grapefruit pith, bold tart citron and a jalapeno-honey note that gives balance and grounding to the acidity.  Pair with Peach Caprese Salad.

ABV 13.9%
$22

Selby 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley

The Selby 2022 Sauvignon Blanc from Russian River Valley raises the question—What wizardry is at play here? It’s like a trip to the boardwalk with the scent of the salty sea and warm peachy cotton candy with vanilla and spicy ginger swirling in the air. On the palate, a soft mouth feel with notes of creamy peach and Bartlett pear with a crisp pop of acidity on the clean and fresh cucumber-sage like finish. Pair with Grilled Mango Chicken.

ABV 14.0%
$25

Sonoma-Cutrer 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley 

The Sonoma-Cutrer 2022 Sauvignon Blanc from Russian River Valley is a pale golden straw color with a tint of green. On the nose a compelling blend of honeycomb, peach, basil and buttered sourdough. On the palate, zesty bright notes of grapefruit and jalapeño are balanced out with notes of wet chalk, vanilla, guava and peach. Great texture and acidity with notes of limestone, green olive, and fresh cut grass on the finish. Pair with warm tomato and goat cheese tart.

ABV 12.2 %
$25

Varietal of the Month: Grenache

Grenache is a medium bodied red wine with moderate acidity, and bright red fruit and strawberry flavors. The tannin structure can range from light and smooth to more pronounced and firm depending on the climate in which it is grown. Grenache is a wonderful and versatile varietal all on it’s own, but its claim to fame is its use as one of the fundamental grapes in the highly regarded French Rhone blend Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

 

Here are capsule reviews of Grenache wines you may find along the Wine Road.

 

Armida 2021 GrenacheChalone Vineyard, Chalone

 

The 2021 Armida Grenache from Chalone Vineyard is an aromatic delight with black cherry, strawberry pie and a pleasing spicy, meaty note akin to that of Slim Jim on the nose. On the palate sugarplum and ripe strawberry flavors are boosted with a hint of acidity in the guise of red apple skin. Smooth and diffuse tannins bring the bright red fruit flavors along with savory fig to a soft and satisfying crescendo. Pair with spicy pork dumplings.

 

ABV 14.3%

$48

 

CAST 2020 Grenache AnaxVineyard, Dry Creek Valley

 

The CAST 2020 Grenache from Anax Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley is perfumed with candied plums, lavender, violet and cherry vanilla with a base note of dried strawberry wafting to the fore.  In the glass it shines with bright notes of strawberry, licorice, and orange peel. Secondary notes of spice and smoked meat evolve as it opens. Great texture and body with soft sandy tannins and a pop of bright acidity that gives it balance and bounce. Pair with spicy pomegranate roasted carrots and lentils with Tahini dressing.

ABV 13.4%

$48

 

David Coffaro 2021Grenache, Dry Creek Valley

 

The David Coffaro 2021 Grenache form Dry Creek Valley is like stepping into a floral shop that also sells confectionaries. It has a wonderful scent of spun sugar, raspberry jam, lavender, black cherry and warm vanilla. On the palate flavors are equal parts juicy and savory with notes of bright juniper, strawberry, spicy Mexican chocolate, cinnamon, and fig newton. Complex and delicious with a long dry finish. Pair with classic pork roast.

 

ABV 15.1%

$ 35 --for 2020

 

Colagrossi 2021Grenache, Moon Mountain District, Sonoma

 

The Colagrossi 2021 Grenache from Moon Mountain District, Sonoma is a veritable moon shot to the heart of flavor. On the nose an enticing scent of sandalwood with savory notes of blueberry pie, black tea, and a touch of white pepper. On the palate notes of Mexican chocolate, warm fig newton, rhubarb, and nutmeg. Nice overall balance and texture with great length of finish. Pair with a hearty Moroccan lamb stew.

 

ABV 14.6%

$

 

Jeff Cohn Cellars,2018 Grenache, El Diablo Vineyard, Russian River Valley

 

The Jeff Cohn Cellars 2018 Grenache from El Diablo Vineyard in Russian River Valley gives me all the feels. The distinct bright scent and flavor of dried strawberry triggered an immediate sense memory of Capt’n Crunch Crunch Berries, strawberry flavored cereal from my childhood. Each sip of this Grenache brought me back to the crunch berries, albeit in a highly elevated form. Additionally, there is a lovely interplay of herbal notes with rosemary and sage on the nose. On the palate, bright and juicy notes of pomegranate, blueberry, red plum and candied red grapefruit. Lush yet balanced with a long and satisfying finish. Pair with a nostalgic food from your childhood.

 

ABV 15%

$50

 

Mounts 2019 Grenache,Estate Grown, Dry Creek Valley

 

The Mounts 2019 Grenache from Dry Creek Valley unfolds in the glass with scents of Herbs de Provence, dusty cedar-sage, mocha and dried strawberry.  On the palate a rich and luxurious mouth feel with flavors of blackberry, chocolate cherry cordial and something quite exotic that reminds me of a cinnabar chanterelle – with a bright fruity, and orange peel notes. This is an elegant and compelling Grenache with loose knit sandy tannins that carry it all to the finish with grace. Pair with Liberty duck with cherry sauce.

 

ABV 15.8%

$44

 

Peterson 2017 GSM,Dry Creek Valley, Estate Grown

 

The Peterson Winery 2017 GSM, Dry Creek Valley is a blend of 50% Grenache, 33% Syrah and 17% Mourvedre. On the cork you will notice a promise to the drinker with the words: nullus mortuus vina — which translates as no soulless wine—and this Grenache makes good on that promise. The nose is warm and spicy with scents of black cherry, blueberry, blackberry pie and chaparral aka garrigue. On the palate, a plush mouthfeel, with rich flavors of raspberry, dried strawberry, sweet tobacco and recurrence of the chaparral note that presents to my palate as spicy pickle juice, which I quite liked! It has a wonderful complexity but remains approachable with balanced tannin, acidity and fruit. Pair with grilled pork chops and mango chutney.

 

ABV 14.7%

$39