SQN's Grenache are some of the most unique expressions of the varietal anywhere. They are big and fruit forward, but they have depth and energy as well. And, they can age better than most.
Found this lost in my cellar. From an historically hot vintage, I had little hope for this wine, but opened it anyway. I was wrong again. What a lovely CdP. This is not their luxury cuvée, so perhaps that helped get the less ripe grapes, but at age 21, this bottle was excellent. Purple in color with some ruby swirls, mostly opaque and bright. The nose has black cherries, some black raspberries, "purple" flowers, slight barnyard and spice. Medium to full bodied. Wispy tannins. lovely, juicy texture. On the palate, black cherries with depth and complexity. Good finish. The bottle
This is a blend of 51% Syrah, 31% Grenache, and 18% Mourvedre from Paso Robles. Inky purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose is lovely with black raspberries, black pepper, roasted meats and herbs. Full bodied. Plush but silky texture. Medium tannins. On the palate, this is delicious. Some complexity but perhaps not as much as other bottlings from this vintage. More powerful though. Black raspberries, jammy with some blueberries. Long finish. This is drinking well and should continue to for another decade. Better on its own than with food, but maybe some big roasted meat di
This is a blend of 41% Syrah, 13% Mourvèdre, 19% Grenache, 16% Petite Sirah, 8% Tempranillo and 3% Roussanne. Inky purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose is big with black raspberries, black cherries, char, white pepper, floral notes and roasted meats. Full bodied. Medium tannins. Great energy. On the palate, this has shed it baby fat but is still youthful. it took a couple of hours to really open up. Loads of black raspberry fruit with black pepper, black cherries, some blueberries and a bit of char. Long finish. This is delicious on its own but may overpower most foods. I
This is a blend of Mourvedre, Carignan, Grenache and Syrah. This is a quite good expression of Rhone varietals from California. Deep ruby in color, mostly opaque and bright. The nose has black raspberries, plums, black pepper and slight nutmeg. Full bodied. Medium tannins. On the palate, this is tasty with bright acidity. Black raspberries and black cherries with some underlying char. Black pepper note on the finish. Drinking well now, this should go another seven to ten years. Nice on its own, this will work nicely with a good (veggie) Burger. Nice value.
When I saw this being opened, I had no hope. But, it showed well. Past prime and this was never a great wine (not a good vintage), but a very enjoyable wine. Garnet in color, mostly clear and bright. The nose has dried raspberries but a touch of fresh with dried floral notes and spice. Medium bodied. Tannins resolved. Good acidity. On the palate, raspberry fruit with some depth and complexity. No off notes. Good finish. Way to go! Drink now if you have this, but at least give it a chance. It went well with some pasta.
This is a mid level offering from the vast portfolio of Tablas Creek. It is a blend of 43% Grenache, 33% Syrah, 19% Counoise, 5% Mourvedre and seems to be their counter-part to a high level Cotes du Rhone. Deep ruby in color, mostly opaque and bright. The nose is great with black cherries, black raspberries, black pepper, char, plums and spice. Full bodied. Medium to firm tannins. Lively acidity. On the palate, black cherries and black raspberries with some char and spice. Long finish. This is drinking well now and should continue for another seven to ten years. Nice on its own, i
This is a blend of 82% Syrah, 14% Mourvedre, and 4% Grenache. 15.87% ABV.
For those who doubt some of today's high alcohol wines won't last, this one is 15.6% abv and drinking just fine at age 15. If, however, you didn't like it young, you still won't. I loved it. A blend of 80% Syrah, 14% Grenache and 6% Roussanne. Inky purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose is great with black raspberries, black cherries, blueberries, black pepper, and roasted vegetables. Full bodied. Medium tannins. Lively acidity. On the palate, this is delicious. Lush texture. Plenty of black raspberries, some blueberries and hints of black cherries with black pepper and cha
This is 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvedre from very old vines. Purple in color, opaque and bright. The boisterous nose has black raspberries, plums and black cherries with spices and roasted herbs. Full bodied. Great texture. On the palate, this is young and raucous with big fruits; black raspberries, raspberries and black cherries along with char and spice. Energetic acidity. Long finish. Delicious on its own, this needs bigger foods right now but will settle down soon. For now, it would work well with some spicy Indian cuisine. Drink over the next twelve to fifteen years.
