Our block of hardy, untrellised Grenache vines endured 80 hours of frost in the 2009 growing season – and still captured the warmth of summer. You might catch a quick whiff of red cherries before the aromas of ripe red plums take over, with what the French call “garrigue”: the scent of warm brush on a sunny hillside. The plums rule in your mouth, spreading polished tannins everywhere with gentle but firm authority. Toasty oak notes lift the finish on this reassuringly weighty wine. For current drinking, decant for at least an hour to unpack the fruit. While you wait, prepare something savory and marvel at how nature can create such a rich red wine with only 13% alcohol. (The French have a term for that too: “fantastique.”) $30
APPELLATION
Applegate Valley, Oregon
VARIETAL COMPOSITION
100% Grenache
HARVEST DATE
October 10, 2009
HARVEST DATA
Brix: 21.5
TA: 4.6 g/L
pH: 3.35
VINEYARD SOURCE
Estate grown, Block 5G
CELLAR TREATMENT
Native yeast
Aged 9 months 33% new French oak, 67% neutral French oak
Applegate Valley, Oregon
VARIETAL COMPOSITION
100% Grenache
HARVEST DATE
October 10, 2009
HARVEST DATA
Brix: 21.5
TA: 4.6 g/L
pH: 3.35
VINEYARD SOURCE
Estate grown, Block 5G
CELLAR TREATMENT
Native yeast
Aged 9 months 33% new French oak, 67% neutral French oak
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION
Yes
DATE BOTTLED
August 20, 2010
ALCOHOL
13.0%
PRODUCTION
50 cases
RELEASE DATE
March 1, 2011
SUGGESTED RETAIL
$30.00 / bottle 750 ml
CERTIFICATIONS
Demeter-certified Biodynamic®
Stellar certified organic
Yes
DATE BOTTLED
August 20, 2010
ALCOHOL
13.0%
PRODUCTION
50 cases
RELEASE DATE
March 1, 2011
SUGGESTED RETAIL
$30.00 / bottle 750 ml
CERTIFICATIONS
Demeter-certified Biodynamic®
Stellar certified organic
