Heads up, Grenache fans – after three years of searching since our last release, we’ve secured a new source for this increasingly popular variety. Meticulously managed by Phillip Coturri, Steel Plow vineyard lies in the heart of the Sonoma Valley where Grenache thrives in the long, warm growing season.
Typical for Grenache, the brilliant ruby color and buoyant perfume suggest a Pinot-like delicacy, and it is indeed loaded with plenty of lively red fruit (red cherry and cranberry) flavors. Rounder and softer than our previous Grenache, when the spice, white pepper, ample yet gentle tannin, and stony/flinty finish all kick in, you’ll realize that this is most definitely not Pinot Noir.
Aged in a neutral puncheon (essentially an oversized barrel) and enhanced with a small dash of Atoosa’s Vineyard clone 174 Syrah for a bit of extra bass end oomph, the 2014 Grenache will delight both Pinot and Rhone fans alike. It is no wonder the variety has become such a hit with wine lovers of all stripes!
Quite pleasing all on its own, the grippy, sneakily intense backbone really cries out for food, making it an absolute winner at the dinner table. Even a simple pairing with a burger or pasta in red sauce will bring out the best in this wine. Stashing it away for a later date will also reward the wait with more texture and suppleness. So excited to have Grenache back in the EK lineup! But ... only 45 cases were bottled, so there just ain't much to go around. Get 'em while you can!
DRINKING WINDOWS
Prime drinking: late 2017 through 2022 Graceful ageability: 2023+
VINEYARDS
97.5% Steel Plow, 2.5% Atoosa's
CLONES
97.5% Tablas Creek Clones A, B, C & D, 2.5% Syrah 174
STATS
pH: 3.37 | TA: 5.7 g/L | Alcohol: 14.9% Bottling: April 28, 2016 | Pre-Release: Fall 2016 Cases Produced: 45
Direct sales are allocated exclusively to EK Allocation List members at a 10% discount. Orders of 6+ bottles save an additional 50% off shipping. New releases ship twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall. Join EK Allocation List
CUSTOMIZED ALLOCATIONS
You may customize your spring and fall allocations any way you like, from 0–12 bottles of each wine. (Small-lot and list-only wines will have lower limits.) To modify your allocations, click on MY ALLOCATION above. Join EK Allocation List
REORDERS
Wines often sell out at or close to release, so we encourage making the most of your spring and fall allocations. As long as wine remains, you are welcome to reorder online through our EK Special Order store. Or contact John Gillis at john@erickentwines.com or 415.244.9453.
