Winemaker Notes
Blend: 83% Grenache, 17% Syrah.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Classic and compelling aromas of rose petal, candied boysenberry, hibiscus reduction and vanilla brioche show on the nose of this wine from a rugged appellation east of the Salinas Valley. The firmly structured palate shows rose petals and tart berries, dusted by fennel pollen, white pepper and chaparral spice.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: A question that drives me crazy is: "What is your favorite grape variety?" I have often changed my answer depending on the day. My usual response has been, "Pinot Noir," and who can argue with that conclusion? Today, however, my palate was touched by a Grenache. Especially after tasting the 2013 Chalone Vineyard Estate Grown offering. TASTING NOTES: This admirable wine is beautiful. Its aromas and flavors or red raspberries, boysenberries, and blueberries are endless and enticing. Perhaps, I will say, "Grenache more often in the future?" Pair its jubilant fruit with a fruit compote-accented roast pork tenderloin. (Tasted: August 7, 2018, San Francisco, CA)
The Chalone Estate Vineyard is one of the most remarkable winery properties in California, and the sole winery within the Chalone AVA. The vineyard was planted in 1919, with the production under the Chalone Vineyard brand beginning in 1960.
Chalone wines speak to the unique terroir of this wild, isolated and high-elevation mountain plateau in Monterey County, located adjacent to the Pinnacles National Monument. The wines reflect a unique character that is attributed to the area’s granitic and limestone soils as well as the large daily diurnal shifts, ultimately resulting in wines with distinct minerality and balance between ripe fruit character and bright acidity.
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.
Located in the Gabilan Mountains east of the fertile Salinas Valley, Chalone is named for the nearby Chalone peaks and produces fine Chardonnay and Pinot noir, among others.