2023 Grenache, Rancho Réal Vineyard

Medium healthy red color, with nary a sign of brown at the rim. Nose of strawberry/rhubarb and peach, with a possible suggestion of citrus, viz. blood orange. Definite notes of autumnal spice — cloves, allspice and hints of sandalwood or other scented candle one might find in the boudoir of an aging hippie. Good volume on the palate: the wine seems to expand with exposure to air in the way that inspirational Pinot/Burgundy sometimes does. Not at all densely tannic, but extremely persistent on the palate. Contradicting all the received wisdom: Grenache is a grape capable of great elegance and complexity (as this wine shows) and one certainly destined to live for many years, especially sealed with a screwcap closure, as is our wont.