Winemaker Notes
The 2013 Garnacha is equal parts Denner Vineyard and Luna Matta Vineyard Grenache. In the glass the wine shows a vibrant garnet hue. Aromas of black cherries, anise and a hint of California Bay lead to a bold, juicy palate that shows beautiful purity and precision. Chocolate covered violets and caramelized bacon fat are followed by white pepper spice that lingers. The mouth feel is both juicy and grippy. Enjoy it (like we did!) with Pamplona chorizo and Mt. Tam cheese and Mary’s Black Pepper Seed Crackers. Drink 2015-2025.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Dark and rich, this is scented with appealing peppered beef notes that lead to firm, zesty flavors of black cherry, graphite and smoky licorice. The tannins ease on the finish. Drink now through 2024.
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.