Sparkman Wonderland Grenache 2016
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Wine
Spectator -
Robert
Parker
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Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Ah, sweet madness. Wonderland Grenache is kinda crazy: three very different blocks in three very different vineyards, all fermented with a third whole cluster, which deliver ripe aromas and flavors of anise, black olive tapenade, citrus, zest raspberry, mushroom and cinnamon. So good now and poised for even more insanely delicious complexity to open over time.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Polished and elegantly complex, with floral raspberry aromas and supple cherry and smoky spiced cinnamon flavors that take on richness on the finish. Drink now through 2023.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Grenache Wonderland (which contains 12% Syrah) opens in the glass with a spicy bouquet of cherries, raspberries and white pepper. On the palate, it's medium-bodied, supple and succulent, with a nice core of sweet fruit and some chewy tannins that assert themselves on the finish. Follow it over the next 5 or 6 years.
Other Vintages
2019-
Wine
Enthusiast -
Robert
Parker -
James
Suckling
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Wine
Enthusiast
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Wine
Enthusiast
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Wine
Spectator -
Wine
Enthusiast
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Wine
Enthusiast -
Robert
Parker
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.
As the first recognized wine-growing region in the Pacific Northwest, Yakima Valley is centrally located within Washington’s vast Columbia Valley. The region also includes Washington’s oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vines, Otis Vineyard, planted in 1957, and Harrison Hill Vineyard, planted in 1963. Yakima Valley contains three smaller sub-regions: Rattlesnake Hills, Red Mountain, and Snipes Mountain and is ideal for both red and white wine production. In fact, Yakima Valley is Washington’s most diverse region, boasting more than 40 different grape varieties over about one hundred miles.
The cooler parts of the valley are home to almost half of the Chardonnay and Riesling produced in the state! Both are made in a wide range of styles depending on the conditions of the vineyard site.
But its warmer locations yield a large proportion of Washington’s best Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. The finest Yakima Valley reds are jam-packed full of red cherry, currant, raspberry or blackberry fruit, as well as cocoa, herb, spice and savory notes, and exhibit a supple texture, great body, focus and length.