2021 Sonoma Valley "Rossi Ranch" Grenache
83% Grenache
17% Mourvèdre
Picked October 12th, yields in this vintage were normal thanks to virtually no millerandage or coulure (collectively known as shatter in English). As usual, the Grenache was cofermented with a bit of Mourvèdre, 17% in this vintage to be exact. All the Mourvèdre and a half ton of the Grenache were put into tank as whole cluster while the remaining Grenache was fully destemmed. To further concentrate the wine, 7% of the juice was immediately bled from tank. After a 7-day cold soak, fermentation began. A mix of pumpovers (sprinkler, delestage, and tub and screen) and punchdowns were employed for extraction and after another 17 days, the wine was pressed to older, neutral French oak barrels and one new blonde-toasted 600 L demi-muid. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Translucent medium ruby-garnet in color. A highly perfumed nose of kirsch, strawberry, sandalwood, and white pepper. Even a touch of orange rind and bergamot. Very complex and very compelling. Medium-full to full bodied with flavors of raspberry, red cherry, and orange. In a word, superb, and a shining example of why they call Grenache the Pinot of the Southern Rhône. Well-integrated chalky tannins in the finish portend of more greatness to come. Age-worthy. Drink now with a good decant through 2034. (MRO - 01/18/24)