Wine Road Podcast: Coco and Michele from Rock'n Vino

 

 

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

 

Wine Road Podcast: Shane Tracy, Tasting Room Manager at Wilson Winery

 

 

Varietal of the Month: Merlot

 

Merlot practically needs no introduction; it’s one of the Nobel grapes, and one of the most planted grapes in the world. Perhaps you heard of Merlot in a movie that made the grape fall out of fashion? But that was decades ago and Merlot is back front and center and in the swing of things again. Although in truth Merlot never left the scene, it’s just been waiting for it’s moment to shine again and that moment is now.

 

Alexander Valley Vineyards 2020 Merlot, Alexander Valley

The Alexander Valley Vineyards 2020 Merlot is rich, smooth and full flavored. On the nose it has notes of plum, black cherry, vanilla, fig newton, and a touch of graphite. On the palate it sings with juicy cherry, chocolate, cedar and a light note of sage. Soft and plush, with great texture, it has fine balanced tannins that stipple across the palate and through to the finish. Pair with a Sideways watch party.

AVB 14.0%
$24

 

Amphora 2019 Merlot, Dry Creek Valley

The Amphora 2019 Merlot from Dry Creek Valley is garnet in color with a pale rose edge. On the nose an earthy quality comes through with notes of violets, blueberry, cedar and leather. As it opens red raspberry and fig come into play. On the palate it’s deep and full flavored with plum, cassis, and chocolate. Smooth with well integrated tannins that linger on the spicy finish. Pair with spicy chicken-cheese enchiladas .

ABV 13.6%
$55

 

Francis Ford Coppola 2020 Merlot, Alexander Valley

The Francis Ford Coppola 2020 Merlot from Alexander Valley, composed of 82.4% Merlot, 15.9% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1.5% Cab Franc; has an approachable complexity that makes it an easy choice for sharing among friends and family with diverse palates. On the nose, scents of chocolate, raspberry, vanilla, blueberry, dusty violets and a pleasant whiff of s’mores roasting over a campfire. On the palate it’s rich and plush with fine sandy tannins and flavors of chocolate covered raspberry, rhubarb, and note of black olive. Pair with a poetic and romantic musical such as One From the Heart by Francis Ford Coppola. ;-)

ABV 15.0%
$30

 

Ehert 2019 Merlot, Knights Valley

Imagine a circus of the senses and that’s what you’ll find in a glass of the Ehret 2019 Merlot, composed of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s exciting and vibrant on the nose with scents of bright red cherry, raspberry, vanilla and spun sugar aka cotton candy. On the palate it’s a smooth operator with notes of caramel, plum, huckleberry, cocoa and a note of bay leaf and black olive. Great texture with soft balanced tannins and a spicy finish make this a natural to pair with a variety of dishes from hearty lasagna to grilled salmon.

ABV 15.5%
$65

 

Ektimo 2020 Merlot, Russian River Valley

The Ektimo 2020 Merlot from Russian River Valley is like a poem written by the vineyard with earthy prose and poise you can taste. On the nose it has a gentle herbal note of bay leaf along with scents of dried strawberry, black cherry, and toffee. On the palate, it’s soft and plush with flavors of chocolate cherry, blackberry, tobacco and toasty vanilla. Long finish with supple tannins and a spicy tangy finish. Pair with a rib eye steak and chimichurri sauce.

ABV 14.5%
$36

 

Longboard 2021 Merlot, Dakine Vineyard, Russian River Valley

The Longboard 2021 Merlot, Dakine Vineyard, Russian River Valley is a field blend of Merlot and small amount of Malbec (11%) that is co-fermented. It smells like a warm chocolate éclair (so delicious) with rich scents of plum, caramel and red raspberry too. On the palate it’s plush and curvaceous with deep flavors of chocolate, thyme, and cafe au lait. Fine sandy tannins and great overall structure give it staying power to the last drop. It would be fun to buy a half dozen bottles now and open at two-year intervals to see where it will go. It’s sure to be a special destination. Pair with lamb kabobs and pomegranate sauce.

ABV 14.5%
$48

 

Robert Young 2019 Merlot, Alexander Valley

This meticulously made Robert Young 2019 Merlot from Alexander Valley is a pleasure from beginning to end. On the nose, a heady array of scents rises up from the glass with aromas of blackberry pie, raspberry, black olive, tobacco and chocolate. On the palate it’s luxurious and rich with soft tannins that ripple with flavors of cherry, Santa Rosa plum, dark cocoa, and dried strawberry. Pair with a simple charcuterie board or chili cheeseburgers.

ABV 14.1%
$60

 

Wine Road Podcast: Lucas Meeker, Co-Owner and Winemaker at The Meeker Vineyard

 

 

Wine Road Podcast: Andrea Card, Senior Winemaker & Tim Bodell, Executive Chef at Francis Ford Coppola Winery

 

 

Wine Road Podcast: Tom Birdsall, Winemaker and Artisan Cheese Festival Representative