Winemaker Rosemary Cakebread of Gallica sources her Grenache from Steel Plow Vineyard, farmed by respected Sonoma Valley viticulturist Phil Coturri, blending in a little Mourvèdre and Syrah. This wine aged for ten months in new an used French barrels and was bottled without fining or filtration.
The color is deep ruby, with a purpled fragrance of plum skin. The body is ample and fleshy and dark, like black plums steeped in espresso. A little rough around the edges now, the acidity and tannins rambunctious, but its core is brilliant and bright-fruited and the finish juicy and refreshing. Not as concentrated and meaty as Châteauneuf-du-Pape and not as fey as most California Grenache, it strikes a balance between headiness and frivolity.
Pair it now with pork, poultry, and rare red meat, aged cheeses, and rich vegetable gratins. Or hold it for a few years to let it continue to ripen and mellow.
14.5% abv | $45 (sample)
