2018 Grenache (Hand Crafted)

The Tamura vineyard sits out in the southwest corner of the Lodi appellation on the edges of the great California Delta. Long before farming took root in the region and canals were cut to drain the Delta, these fields were annual flood plains, repeatedly washed by the flowing waters.

Over time the remaining soil became deep beds of sandy loam, lean on nutrients and perfect for vigorous grape vines. Joey Tamura was very receptive to working with us and allowed us to progressively thin the vines with the first picking going into our sparkling production and the final picking dedicated to our more intense red wine production.

Every once in awhile, we break loose from our routine winemaking and try something different. The new release of Grenache is one of those wines. We picked the Grenache quite ripe and decided to try bleeding off ALL of the free run juice from this traditionally lightly colored varietal. The free run juice was routed to a stainless tank, where we made rose; the remaining skins (where almost all the color and tannin reside) were moved into small macro bins.

These bins were so solid with skins and very little juice, that it proved almost impossible to punch down using our typical tools. So our cellar crew staff sanitized their legs and feet before gently "treading" the grapes. Post fermentation, the wine was moved to begin its long 20 month slumber in 40% new French oak barrels.

The resulting wine is a spectacular expression of Grenache. Your glass will overflow beautifully with integrated aromas of ripe strawberry, red cherry, raspberry, light hints of licorice, and clove spice, knitted closely to sweet french vanilla. On the palate, bold forceful tannins let their presence be known without being brash or uncomfortable, just silky soft and broad.

The 2018 Grenache yields were 80% below typical for this varietal, so this is a super special bottle of wine! A small production, there won't be a lot of extra to enjoy.

Our hand-crafted 2018 Grenache is elegant, beautiful and delicate, but not overly subtle. Opens with aromas of ripe strawberry, red cherry, and raspberry. Then follows with hints of light licorice and clove spice that are knitted closely to sweet French vanilla.