Grenache quickly became a fan favorite when we added it to our lineup, and wow, was that 2016 something special. After one year’s painful absence in 2017, we’re thrilled to introduce you to our latest installment from the outstanding Flora Marie vineyard in the Russian River Valley! And man, oh man, are you going to love this one.
Arriving at the winery in absolutely impeccable condition, the gorgeous fruit went straight into tank 100% whole-cluster for carbonic (oxygen deprived) fermentation to preserve and enhance the delicate aromas and flavors. Twelve days later the fruit was tread by foot, followed by added pump-overs and punchdowns. After letting it rest on the skins for a month, we pressed and went into a neutral puncheon for its 22-month long nap before bottling.
All of this gentle handling produced an amazingly vital, authentic and explosive rendition of this Southern Rhone native. Crunchy fresh raspberries, strawberries and a darker fruit, plus cracked black pepper abound, along with dusty Sonoma hillside dried sage and anise components. Ripe tannins provide backbone aplenty and proper acid keeps thing fresh. If you like a bit of grip and youthful charm, go ahead and pop one open young, but this baby is destined for a beautiful evolution in the cellar and should enter prime drinking by mid- to late 2022, then age easily for another decade or more.
DRINKING WINDOWS
Prime drinking: Late 2022 through 2028 Graceful ageability: 2029+
VINEYARD
100% Flora Marie
CLONE
100% Alban
STATS
pH: 3.68 | TA: 5.4 | Alcohol: 14.8% Bottling: March 5, 2020 | Release: Fall 2020 Cases Produced: 49
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.
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