2016 Fulldraw Grenache Hard Point

Made from 100% Grenache brought up in 20% new barrels, the deep ruby colored 2016 Grenache Hard Point is a beauty! Fabulous notes of black raspberries, cassis, toasted spices, and violets all flow to a full-bodied, layered, finesse-oriented Grenache that has solid mid-palate depth and building structure. It needs a year of bottle age to integrate its oak, and to let the tannins chill, but it’s a terrific effort readers should jump on. These are big, rich, powerful wines from Connor McMahon. While I’d like to see a touch more finesse and elegance in some of the wines, they certainly bring the power.