Garnacha/Grenache

This is a joint project from two successful winemakers from other parts of France.  It is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignane according to the web site.  This was really good and for $9 a screaming value.  It is a fruity wine and drinking quite well right now.  Perfect for this summers BBQ's and parties.  Purple in color, ruby at the rim.  The nose is slightly earthy with black raspberries and a slight pine note which was enjoyable.  On the palate, this has firm tannins.  Black raspberries and black licorice underneath.  Bright fruit.  There is even some upside with this wine over the

Bonny Doon makes some fun wines!  This is Grenache for under $20.  It's a fun and great for parties.  Light ruby in color.  The nose is all about strawberries.  So is the palate.  This wine is light and easy drinking.  Some acidity but drinks more like a rose.  Food friendly-ish.  

Had a second bottle of this and it had some Brett (barnyard notes).  If that is an issue, look for well stored bottles.  

Gigondas is often thought of as a "poor man's" Chateauneuf du Pape and for a lot of reasons that is true.  But, the best Gigondas producers are certainly on a par with many of the better Chateauneufs and Saint-Cosme is certainly one of the best Gigondas producers.  At 12 years from vintage, this seems to be at about peak.  2006 was a very good if not remarkable vintage.  Being caught between the classic 2005 and the ostentatious 2007, it got a bit over looked.  Purple/ruby in color.  The nose has cherries, spice, minerals, slight tobacco/dried leaves and dried cherries.  On the palate, this

This wine is in the beginnings of its prime drinking window IMO.  It should be good for at least another decade.  Purple in color.  The nose is great with black cherries, black raspberries, cherries, raw meat, and floral notes.  On the palate, this has a great almost soft texture.  Slight tannins.  Layers of black raspberries, black cherries, licorice and earth.  This is a very clean wine.  Nice acidity especially for the vintage.  Long finish.  This kept improving all night.  It worked well my pasta dish after being open for a few hours.  

This is a Rose wine from the region of Montsant in Spain.  It is made from Garnacha (Grenache) grapes.  An interesting color; sort of electric pale pink.  Pretty.  The nose has scents of celery and cherries which is nice.  On the palate, this is light bodied and very easy to drink.  Refreshing.  This is not a fruit bomb.  This retails for under $15 and provides a nice value at that price.  Affordable for summer get togethers.  

Kendall Jackson makes a lot of wine at all price levels.  One of the more remarkable things is how consistent they are on their value wines.  To make wine in that kind of quantity and be that consistent shows a great attention to detail.  This wine retails for around $16.  75% Pinot Noir, 23% Syrah, 2% Grenache.  Light salmon in color.  The nose is really nice.  Expressive and enjoyable notes of watermelon with slight strawberries.  With air a slight minty scent is there.  On the palate, this is more about cherries and "red berries".  Not as pronounced as the nose.  It does have good acidit

Pink grapefruit in color.  The nose is nice with some strawberries, watery cherry juice, slight rhubarb and herbal notes.  On the palate, this is refreshing.  While it is open, it did continue to improve for the few hours it was open.  Perhaps that is a function of the serving temp or maybe the air.  Still, I would tend to drink these up in the first couple of years.  Flavors of strawberries and light cherries.  Nice mouthfeel.  Works well on its own or with food.  At around $25 all in, this is fairly priced.  

Another inexpensive, relatively easy bottle to find of very nice wine.  Purple in color.  The nose is nice with black raspberries, some cherries, a bit of leather and earth.  On the palate, this has nice black raspberry fruit.  A bit of earthiness to it.  Easy drinking.  Enough acidity to carry food.  Long finish.  Available for under $15, its a very nice bottle.  Should last a few years.  I suspect the 2015 and 2016 vintage will be even better.  

This was consumed with a couple of my neighbors outside by the fire on a late Spring Day.  It was quite well received.  It is a blend of  Grenache, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and Sangiovese.  First, the bottle is very pretty with a silk screened label.  The wine itself is likewise pretty with an almost iridescent salmon orange color to it.  The nose is large with burnt oranges, some strawberries and slight cherries.  There is some alcohol on the nose too.  On the palate, this has a very nice texture.  Big fruit, mostly tart cherries.  Enough acidity to work with food but made just fine sip

Purple in color.  The nose is clean with dusty cherries and garrique.  On the palate, this has silky tannins.  Layered complexity of cherries, spice and earth.  With air some dark cherry fruit.  Nice finish.  This is at peak now and should be drunk in the next five to seven years.  Outstanding right now.