Judgment of Geyserville IV - An Impressive Round of Grenache

 Wine writers, Eric Degerman, Mike Dunne, Dan Berger, Bill Ward, and I met for our fourth annual Judgment of Geyserville, with Grenache taking center stage.  This year we also welcomed Stag’s Hollow Winemaker Dwight Sick, and April Reddout, Wine Director of the Walter Clore Wine & Culinary Center.  Wines from Australia, British Columbia, Idaho, California, Oregon and Washington were represented in this blind tasting.  I see a growing trend for Grenache rising among consumers.  This is attributable in part, I believe, to how well this wine pairs with food.  Give it a try with balsamic glazed salmon, smoked trout, chicken gumbo, pork tenderloin, ribs off the grill, tofu stir-fry, caramelized roasted beets, and vegetarian lasagna; it is quite versatile!   The judges agreed that the overall quality of the flight was remarkable, with nearly every entry securing a Silver Medal or higher.  The winery capturing the only Bronze medal, Andis Wines (2012 Grenache), went on to capture GOLD and Best of Class honors for its 2014 Grenache at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition in January.  Here are my impressions for the Judgment of Geyserville IV wines (with the overall group score noted in parentheses):OREGON:Abacela 2014 Barrel Select Estate Garnacha; Umpqua Valley, Oregon:  Full bodied with a deep, dark hue, this concentrated Grenache is tightly wound.  With aeration, enticing aromas of wild raspberries and savory spice waft from the glass.  Layers of black cherries, plums, pomegranate seeds, raspberries, a dash of white pepper and sandalwood unravel onto the palate and lead to a sumptuous, long-lasting finish.  (GOLD) SRP: $29  www.abacela.comReustle Prayer Rock Vineyards 2014 Hebron Bloc Estate Grenache; Umpqua Valley, Oregon:  The brilliant hue catches your eye, and the aroma is engaging and expressive.  Pure and well balanced on the palate, with black raspberry, pomegranate, citrus and mineral notes interlacing with a touch of fresh cracked peppercorns, and immaculate oak integration. Finishes with elegance and plenty of length.  (SILVER) SRP: $27 www.reustlevineyards.comFolin Cellars 2014 Estate Grenache; Rogue Valley, Oregon:  Lush and rich from the sun-kissed berry scents that pave the way, to the cohesive, mouth filling flavors of spice-dusted raspberry compote and Santa Rosa plums, accented by minerality and underlying oak.  Fruit, acids and tannins are exactly balanced, and the finish is vivacious and persistent.  (SILVER) SRP: $35 www.folincellars.comCALIFORNIA:A Tribute to Grace 2014 Highlands Vineyard Grenache; Santa Barbara, California:   Delicate floral notes and a basket full of fresh mixed berries greet the nose.  Aerate this well-structured wine to fully unleash layers of cranberries, red cherries, huckleberries, orange zest and spicy oak nuances.  The refreshing finale is upbeat and clean.  (SILVER) SRP: $45 www.gracewinecompany.comBonny Doon Vineyard 2014 Rancho Solo Vineyard Cuvee R Grenache; Monterey County, California:  Energizing scents of a walk in the forest rise from the glass.  Fresh spiced cranberry sauce, subtle earthiness, and juicy raspberries join savory notes and a thread of minerality creating a burst of flavors on the palate.  The mouthfeel is silky and the wine remains lively through the extended finish.  (SILVER) SRP: $48  www.bonnydoonvineyard.comAndis Wines 2012 Grenache; Amador County, California:  Highly aromatic, this wine tempts the senses with floral and spice notes.  In the mouth, pleasing flavors of cherry and raspberry compote, a hint of toast, and tangerine accents entwine.  A nice level of acidity keeps the wine balanced and energetic.  (BRONZE) SRP: $26 www.andiswines.comIDAHO:Sawtooth Winery 2013 Classic Fly Series Grenache; Snake River Valley, Idaho:   Floral notes and hand-picked berries fully engage the senses.  Richly fruited with red raspberries, huckleberries, and juicy loganberries at the core, highlighted by blood orange accents and a touch of clove spice.  Pure and spirited with racy acidity balancing the juicy fruit.  Bright and perky through the lingering aftertaste.  (GOLD) SRP: $32 www.sawtoothwinery.comBRITISH COLUMBIA:Stag’s Hollow Winery 2013 Grenache; Okanagan Valley, British Columbia: Ripe black fruits open the door to this opulent Grenache.  Black cherries, black plums and black raspberries intertwine on the palate, with anise and a nice smoky note adding depth. Full bodied, velvety smooth and well balanced, with plenty of verve.  (GOLD) SRP:  $30 www.stagshollowwinery.comStag’s Hollow Winery 2014 Renaissance Grenache; Okanagan Valley, British Columbia:  Perfumed aromas of berries and a hint of earth at first whiff.  Deliciously fruity, multi-layered and complex, with pomegranate juice, ripe raspberries, tangerine, minerality, and a dusting of sweet herbs interlacing in harmony.  Lacy and ethereal with a silky texture and an everlasting finish.  (DOUBLE GOLD) SRP: $40 www.stagshollowwinery.comStag’s Hollow Winery 2015 Grenache; Okanagan Valley, British Columbia:  The fruity aroma sets the stage for this gem.  Tightly knit, the wine broadens with aeration, unveiling spiced plum pudding, black cherries, and cranberry notes on the palate. Bracing acids, good depth of fruit, and firm tannins speak to years of enjoyment ahead.  (GOLD) SRP: $30 www.stagshollowwinery.comWASHINGTON:Palencia Wine Company 2013 Grenache; Yakima Valley, Washington:  This intensely aromatic Grenache shows off gobs of ripe berry fruit.  Robust on the palate as layers of juicy boysenberry, raspberry, Bing cherry, black licorice and spice elements unwind.  Brisk acidity offsets the lush fruit, and the tannins are firm, creating a lovely balance.  (GOLD) SRP: $36 www.palenciawine.comColumbia Crest 2013 Reserve Grenache; Horse Heaven Hills, Washington:  The alluring toasty, vanilla scented nose draws you in.  Black raspberry, Black Splendor plum and loganberry fruit spiked with licorice and a splash of fresh squeezed orange juice enliven the palate.  Succulent and well balanced from first sip to lip-smacking finale.  (GOLD) SRP: $35 www.columbiacrest.comMaison Bleue Family Winery 2012 “Bourgeois” Grenache; Columbia Valley, Washington:  Here is a Grenache that struts out with raspberry coulis and herbs on the nose.  Streamlined and zesty on the palate, with cranberry relish, raspberries, blueberries and subtle hints of spice and forest floor notes.  A firm backbone of acidity keeps it bright and lively. (GOLD) SRP:  $30 www.mbwinery.comAUSTRALIA:Kilikanoon Wines 2012 Prodigal Grenache; Clare Valley, Australia:  This wildly expressive Grenache shouts out deep black fruit on the nose.  Powerful from the get go, with blackberry, black plum, and pomegranate seeds marrying with chocolaty notes and impressive oak management.  Fruit, acids and tannins are perfectly balanced.  (GOLD) SRP:  $33 www.kilikanoon.com.auYalumba Family Vignerons 2014 Samuel's Garden Collection Old Bush Vine Grenache; Barossa Valley, Australia:   This lighter style Grenache offers up pretty scents of red fruit.  Flowing onto the palate are flavors of strawberries and cream, fresh raspberries, cranberry soda and a sprinkling of fresh cut herbs.  Elegant, nicely balanced, and easy to quaff.  (SILVER) SRP: $20  www.yalumba.comd’Arenberg 2013 The Derelict Vineyard Grenache; McLaren Vale, Australia: Take a good whiff and enjoy the essence of a plum orchard ready to be harvested. This intense Grenache broadcasts succulent purple plums, black raspberries, a touch of earth and savory spice wrapped around firm tannins.  Nicely structured with a velvety texture.  (SILVER) SRP: $29 www.darenberg.com.auMy hope is that this variety continues gaining well deserved accolades and upward traction in the marketplace.  Why not gather up a few bottles and discover which suits your palate?  I think you’ll find Grenache to be a very nice addition to your cellar, and your next dinner party.