Northern California experienced another drought year in 2016. The majority of the water came from only three rain storms that season. The winter was temperate causing early budbreak. On the heels of 2015 when yields were over 50% below normal, 2016 followed with a below average crop yield. The growing season was long and warm adding incredible ripeness to the fruit and flavors best described as muscular, powerful, taut and precise.
Extraordinarily layered aromatics in the 2016 Grenache—wild strawberries, freshly cut hay, red raspberries, pomegranates and bacon fat. Secondary notes of sweet flowers, honey, black tea, minerals, cream and gunpowder wind their way through the glass. There is a great deal of plushness and sweetness on the palate with lots of red, bramble fruit flavors supported by vibrant acidity.