2016 Sur Echalas Vineyard Grenache

Medium red with an unfiltered appearance. Musky scents of raspberry, cherry, dried herbs, flowers and minerals accented by pink peppercorn and spices. A distinctly savory Grenache with a good core of blueberry fruit along with a saline musky, meaty quality. Today this wine stands out more for its smooth texture than for its clarity of flavor but it will need time to open. Finishes with substantial dusty tannins. (this 2008 planting next to Paciencia and Armada vineyards features 3 foot by 3 foot spacing and is worked with a draft horse; the crop level was around a ton per acre in 2016, according to Elizabeth Bourcier, who also noted that these vines ripen a little later as there's more shading of the fruit; vinified with about 75% whole clusters and aged in neutral oak demi-muids )

A very peppery feel to this grenache with light and lacy strawberries and bright berries. Deep and fresh flowers on offer here with a distinctive style. The palate has strength and density to the tannins that is innate and not born of extraction or oak. The density of planting is 12,500 vines per hectare. That’s the difference here. Try from 2022.

Szechuan pepper, gun powder, strawberries, raspberries, and salted meats (an incredible mix of sweet and sour), the 2016 Grenache Sur Echalas Vineyard hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a layered, silky texture, tons of savory, meaty characteristics, and a great finish. It's a singular, exotic, beautifully complete Grenache that has a touch of Burgundy in its layered, gorgeous style.