2022 Allbaer Escarpe! Grenache | Templeton Gap, Paso Robles California 750ml

As with last year we had the same protagonists here in 2022 of block 11 and block 9. The differences farming styles can make in Grenache are incredible. Block 11 was planted each vine to a stake, head-trained, with a smaller goblet. Because it's not a traditional large goblet, fruit is thinned 40-60% early on while the clusters are green. Imagine Côte Rotie. This drastically affects yields, but the crop is fantastic because the vine isn't as stressed trying to pull a full crop load to phenolic maturation. In 2021, I noticed a similar parcel planted on my local 'mountain bike' trail in Paso. I reached out to the winery, only to find, they don't sell fruit from their estate vineyard. After much persistence, they were convinced to sell a small portion of their already tiny block. 2022 will be our first time incorporating Copia Grenache to our blend. 9% Piazza Bella Vista Syrah. | ALLBAER

I loved the 2022 Grenache Escarpe, a perfumed, expressive, exotic beauty that has tons of ripe red fruits, flowery incense, spice, and sappy herbes de Provence-like nuances. With medium to full body, a layered, balanced mouthfeel, and sweet tannins, it's a gem to enjoy through 2032. | 95 points, Jeb Dunnuck for jebdunnuck.com