Grenache 2020

BACKGROUND
While Syrah carries the torch for Stolpman Vineyards and the greater Ballard Canyon AVA, Grenache and Mourvedre have both been gaining recognition and acres planted here.  The varietals become even more compelling during warmer vintages like 2020, when the later ripening varietals’ vines recover from earlier heat waves and ripen in October. For the first time in 2020, the head-pruned, own-rooted Grenache from Block 9 is included in the Estate cuvee.  Our latest investment in the future of Grenache provides more shading for the sensitive Grenache skins and the tight spacing allows for low, flavor-concentrating yields. 

VINTAGE
The 2020 vintage started with much needed late rain in March and April.  The cold moisture pushed back bud break and set up an anticipated late harvest.  Ripening then accelerated after late summer heat waves.  While the most significant heat wave arrived earlier in September over Labor Day weekend, another hot streak followed two weeks later.  We began to harvest Estate Grenache another two weeks thereafter, once the vines had fully recovered.

SENSORY
Pure, fresh, red fruit purity.  Bright lifted berry on the periphery highlights the mainline of driving deep, ripe strawberry and cherry.  Thick and coating bright red fruit into a taut young lightning bolt acid-driven finish followed by ultra-fine tannin.  Absolutely loving the 2020 Grenache fresh, and looking forward to the fruit flesh further enveloping the young finish as of release.