2016 Sonoma Valley "Rossi Ranch" Grenache
85% Grenache
15% Mourvèdre
After virtually no Rossi Ranch Grenache in 2015, Mother Nature took pity on us and provided us with a respectable 2 tons to the acre in 2016. We’ve always found Mourvèdre to play nicely with Grenache. It seems to enhance without detracting from Grenache’s perfumed, red-fruited character. (I often refer to Grenache as the Pinot of the Rhône.) We were fortunate that the Mourvèdre at Rossi Ranch was ripe at the same time as the Grenache so we picked and cofermented the two varieties together. Aged in older, neutral barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Medium ruby-red. An intoxicating, highly perfumed, incense-like nose of strawberry, kirsch, Asian five-spice, and exotic woods (despite no new oak). The wine enters with an incredibly silken texture with flavors of kirsch, peach, and spice. In many ways, very Burgundian. Masculine tannins on the finish serve as the perfect yang to the wine’s yin. Drink from 2019 through 2027. (MRO - 07/01/18)