Limpid, translucent garnet in the Glass, the 2015 Venteux Paso Robles Grenache is native yeast fermented—and one of the more delicate expressions of the varietal I’ve found in this region. Eccentric rings of black cherry and fresh blackberry tumble from the glass, followed by a glorious and evolving profusion of cigar box, warm spice, dried lavender, sagebrush, ash, earth, and dust. In the mouth, it’s nimble, with fine tannins lending structure to a wine that seems more Old World than New—with every element well integrated and precise. It closes with protracted notes of white pepper and bay leaf. 14.6% ABV | Sample
96 Points