2008 Grand Reve Vintners Grenache Collaboration Series V

The 2008 Collaboration Series V is a blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah sourced from the Ciel du Cheval Vineyard (as are all these wines for the time being). It was aged in 100% new French oak and made by Chris Gorman. It is rare for this much new oak to be used with Grenache, but here it seems to work. The wine delivers an expressive nose of sandalwood, smoke, Asian spices, lilacs, black cherry, and black raspberry. Full-bodied and plush on the palate, it has layered spicy red and black fruits, good volume, enough structure to evolve for several years, and a lengthy, pure finish. It will be at its best from 2013 to 2023. Grand Reve Vintners is a collaboration between Paul McBride and Ryan Johnson to grow grapes and produce wine focused on the Red Mountain AVA. They are planting the first hillside vineyard in Red Mountain on the slopes above Col Solare at 955 to 1230 feet of elevation. I visited the site in June, 2010, and it is a remarkable piece of work. The winemaking is in the hands of five top local winemakers, Ben Smith (Collaboration I) making a Cabernet blend, Ross Michel (Collaboration II) a Rhone blend, Mark McNeilly (Collaboration III) a Syrah, Carolyn Lakewold (Collaboration IV) a Merlot, and Chris Gorman (Collaboration V) a Grenache. There are also two Reserve wines being offered in the new collection. Tel. (425) 549-0123; www.grandrevevintners.com