2016 Brennecker Grenache

Reminding me of the old vine Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Domaine de Marcoux, the 2016 Grenache Brennecke comes from the same site as Powell’s Les Amis, from vines planted in 1901, and is all Grenache brought up in new oak. This beautiful elixir reveals a deep ruby color as well as a gorgeous perfume of black raspberries, toasted spice, licorice, incense, and pepper. This carries to a full-bodied, seamless Grenache that has ultra-fine tannins, a seamless, sexy texture, no hard edges, and an awesome finish. It’s a magical Grenache that needs 2-3 years of bottle age (give it a healthy decant if drinking anytime soon) and will knock your socks off over the following 10-15 years or more.

The 150 cases of the 2016 Brennecke Grenache will no doubt sell out quickly. Aged in 100% new Tronçais barriques, the nose hints at woodsmoke, crushed stone and pencil shavings, while the full-bodied palate reveals crystalline-pure, bright cranberry and pie-cherry flavors. It's surprisingly crisp, with herb and savory notes on the long, zesty finish. Although the supple tannins make this wine approachable now, I'd give it a couple of years in the cellar to better harmonize and soften.