2021 Grenache, Spear

We went in on this wine to produce a Grenache that is meant to show off the leaner, lighter side of Grenache that you might get from a VERY cool climate for the varietal.  In previous vintages that has indeed been the case.  Not so much for 2021.  This wine has developed more of that rich, spicy, woodsy character Grenache is known for.  This is not due to new oak barrels or anything else, it is just pure varietal expression.   The fruit comes from a steep hillside block that faces due South and it gets shrouded most mornings by ocean fog that then recedes mid-day and lets the sun do its magic before returning again in the late afternoon.  We treated this wine in the same way we treat our Pinot Noir… Gently.  We use small 1.5 ton fermenters, no new oak, 25% whole clusters and a whopping 34 months in barrel.  This is special stuff.