Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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The Somm Journal
A blend of 88% Grenache, 7% Cinsaut, and 5% Mourvèdre from the Denner estate, it exudes aromas of rhubarb and clove that lead to a floral palate with plum and anise. It’s a whisper of a wine, but with impact: The lengthy finish hangs on as the textural sensations continue to impress
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Medium ruby, the 2017 Grenache has sexy, layered aromas of ripe raspberries, red cherries, strawberries, tangerine and lilac perfume with an earthy undercurrent and loads of amaro-like accents. The medium-bodied palate is incredibly layered and intense, with a pleasantly chalky frame and seamless freshness, finishing very long. Lovely!
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Wine Enthusiast
Extremely aromatic in the glass, this bottling offers enticing aromas of fennel pollen, licorice spice, plum and ripe fig. The palate is rich in flavors of black plum, fennel bulb and more black licorice framed by sticky tannins.
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Wine Spectator
A spirited red, with expressive violet, bright cherry and grilled dill accents that build tension and complexity toward fine-grained, minerally tannins. Drink now through 2028.
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.
Growing on high elevation bedrock slopes, the vineyards of Paso Robles Willow Creek AVA sit at between 960 and 1,900 feet in elevation.