Terry Hoage Skins Grenache 2016
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The Skins is our purest expression of Grenache from the TH Estate. This highly aromatic variety shines with violet, lavender and undertones of vanilla oak character. It is the most feminine wine in our lineup, with Pinot-esque notes of bright red fruit, figs, spice and chalky stones. Named after the “skins” of the grapes that are so important in giving the wine color and tannin, this wine is also a reference to the Washington Redskins, where players and fans call their beloved team the ‘Skins. Terry was fortunate enough to win Super Bowl XXVI with this team in 1991. Due to a very limited production, this wine sells out quickly and can only be purchased through the club.
Other Vintages
2011-
Parker
Robert
The wines are created using a minimalist philosophy. Using 100% French oak, the Hoages craft their wines without racking, fining or filtering. The only time the wines are moved is during the bottling process. With extremely minimal processing, the wines deliver intense fruit flavors and showcase Terry Hoage Vineyard's dedication to winemaking.
Grenache thrives in any warm, Mediterranean climate where ample sunlight allows its clusters to achieve full phenolic ripeness. While Grenache's birthplace is Spain (there called Garnacha), today it is more recognized as the key player in the red blends of the Southern Rhône, namely Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône and its villages. Somm Secret—The Italian island of Sardinia produces bold, rustic, single varietal Grenache (there called Cannonau). California, Washington and Australia have achieved found success with Grenache, both flying solo and in blends.
Paso Robles has made a name for itself as a source of supple, powerful, fruit-driven Central Coast wines. But with eleven smaller sub-AVAs, there is actually quite a bit of diversity to be found in this inland portion of California’s Central Coast.
Just east over the Santa Lucia Mountains from the chilly Pacific Ocean, lie the coolest in the region: Adelaida, Templeton Gap and (Paso Robles) Willow Creek Districts, as well as York Mountain AVA and Santa Margarita Ranch. These all experience more ocean fog, wind and precipitation compared to the rest of the Paso sub-appellations. The San Miguel, (Paso Robles) Estrella, (Paso Robles) Geneso, (Paso Robles) Highlands, El Pomar and Creston Districts, along with San Juan Creek, are the hotter, more western appellations of the greater Paso Robles AVA.
This is mostly red wine country, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel standing out as the star performers. Other popular varieties include Merlot, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Syrah, Grenache and Rhône blends, both red and white. There is a fairly uniform tendency here towards wines that are unapologetically bold and opulently fruit-driven, albeit with a surprising amount of acidity thanks to the region’s chilly nighttime temperatures.