Grenache is a spicy tasting grape variety with berry tones and high alcohol content. Grenache is one of the most widely planted red wine grapes in the world. Because the Grenache grape ripens late in the year, it is usually planted in hot and dry regions, such as the south of Spain, France, and the San Joaquin Valley in California. In the 19th century, winemakers celebrated the vine’s ability to produce high yields of fruit and to withstand heat and drought. The variety is low in acid, has a light color, and low tannins. Grenache is a popular choice in Rhone wines, and can be used as over 80 percent of the blend. It is also a companion in French and Spanish rose wines, and its high sugar content makes it the perfect match for fortified wines. In the 18th century, Grenache was one of the first grape varieties to be introduced in Australia, and became the most planted variety in Australia until the 1960s. This variety is often used to blend with other varieties to add sweetness and a nice fruit flavor. Using oak can help with keeping the wine’s color, but too much can overpower the fruit aromas of the variety.
Cazaux Gigondas Tour Sarrasine is made from 75% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre. 45 year old vines on average.
Intense, persistent red and dark fruit aromas. Raspberry, pepper and spice flavors. Silky tannins.
Enjoy with game meat or strong cheeses.
Review:
"Bright violet color. The fragrant and incisive nose displays vibrant red fruit, floral and spice qualities. Shows very good energy and detail on the palate, offering nervy bitter cherry and redcurrant flavors and a hint of garrigue. Closes long and spicy, with resonating fruit and floral notes. - Josh Raynolds - Josh Raynolds"
- Antonio Galloni's Vinous (January 2023), 92-94 pts
Cazaux Gigondas Tour Sarrasine is made from 75% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre. 45 year old vines on average.
This strong, warm wine comes from a selection of grapes planted on exceptional soils. The vineyards in Gigondas are situated on the arid hills of the Dentelles de Montmirail. The Mistral blows regularly on these slopes which limits the amount of treatment needed to the vines. The vines grow on stony soils and produce wine that can be kept easily for 10 yrs.
Intense, persistent red and dark fruit aromas. Raspberry, pepper and spice flavors. Silky tannins.
Cazaux Vacqueyras Cuvee des Templiers is a blend of 50% Syrah, 50% Grenache.
The Syrah vines are situated on the sandy, grey clay slopes of Vacqueyras near the estate. They are facing east west, so the sun warms the grapes early in the morning allowing a considerable synthesis of sugars. The sandy soil is poor giving a reduced yield. The resulting wine is very fruity with strong persistent aromas of red fruits, spices and violets brought by the Syrah. Intense black cherry, blackberry, blueberry and cherry flavors. Explosive fruit tannins give the sweet, creamy flavors structure and focus, bright and uplifting on the finish.
Enjoy this wine when young with grilled beef and bearnaise sauce, lamb and thyme. After 7-10 years excellent with game meats.
Review:
"Very dark in the glass. A spicy nose full of cardamom and cumin. Full-bodied but not overly. Feels rounded and powerful, but has seen no oak. Quite extracted, this certainly needs time but promises some future complexity. - Matt WALLS "
- Decanter (October 1st 2022), 91 pts
Cazaux Vacqueyras Rouge Cuvee Saint Roch 70% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 5% Mourvedre.
Deep color. Intense and persistent red fruits, such as strawberry and black cherry. Expressive and delicate at the same time. The finish is long and the tannins are quite round and well balanced.
Grapes are hand picked, destemmed 100% but not crushed. About 20 days fermentation according to vintage. Aged in stainless steel tanks for 12 months and an additional 12 months in enamel coated concrete tank. No fining, light filtration.
Enjoy this wine with meat cooked in red wine sauce (such as Boeuf Bourguignon).
Cazaux Vacqueyras Rouge Grenat Noble 100% Grenache.
This wine is the result of extraordinary weather conditions. The first cuvée was produced in 1992 when violent storms and floods affected the region (especially Vaison la Romaine). The following days were radiant and accompanied by Mistral winds. We could then continue to harvest or more precisely harvest what remained of a rotten crop - but a noble rotten crop!
Following our first involuntary test of 1992, we wanted to reproduce this wine but we had to wait until 1995 to isolate the parcels that were capable of producing this noble rot. Unfortunately, the "noble" phenomenon does not occur every year despite late harvests (October 15).
The resulting wine is offers aromas of small red berries (cherries, raspberries), liquorice, fig, honey, fruit brandy and plum. It is elegant, supple and smooth on the palate with a firm, generous and suave structure. A beautiful length on spices and cherry.
This Grenache nectar marries will with dishes such as pan-fried foie gras in honey and fig preserve, leg of lamb with preserved fruits accompanied by local cereal "epautre" or other sweet and sour dishes.
Cazaux Vacqueyras Rouge Grenat Noble 100% Grenache.
This wine is the result of extraordinary weather conditions. The first cuvée was produced in 1992 when violent storms and floods affected the region (especially Vaison la Romaine). The following days were radiant and accompanied by Mistral winds. We could then continue to harvest or more precisely harvest what remained of a rotten crop - but a noble rotten crop!
Following our first involuntary test of 1992, we wanted to reproduce this wine but we had to wait until 1995 to isolate the parcels that were capable of producing this noble rot. Unfortunately, the "noble" phenomenon does not occur every year despite late harvests (October 15).
The resulting wine is offers aromas of small red berries (cherries, raspberries), liquorice, fig, honey, fruit brandy and plum. It is elegant, supple and smooth on the palate with a firm, generous and suave structure. A beautiful length on spices and cherry.
This Grenache nectar marries will with dishes such as pan-fried foie gras in honey and fig preserve, leg of lamb with preserved fruits accompanied by local cereal "epautre" or other sweet and sour dishes.
Review:
"Not yet bottled, the 2020 Vacqueyras Grenat Noble should also be outstanding. Based mostly on Grenache, but with a small amount of Mourvèdre, it has a Provençal bouquet of red and black fruits, dried garrigue, toasted nuts, and spice. Rich, medium-bodied, and nicely textured, with a great finish, I'd be thrilled to have a bottle on the dinner table. It will keep through 2032."
- Jeb Dunnuck (March 2023), 91-93 pts
Far Niente Post & Beam Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is made from 100 percent Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.
At Post & Beam, we make wines of pure expression, built on generations of hands-on experience producing acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Backed by the expertise and legacy of Far Niente Wine Estates, we use time-honored techniques to make exceptional wines that can be enjoyed upon release. Our expertise of winemaking at the highest level has enabled us to create wines that seamlessly unite tradition and modernity.
The 2022 Post & Beam Cabernet Sauvignon displays seductive aromas of briar patch and plum sauce on the nose before leading onto a palate that is well-structured yet elegant. Round and textured on the palate, the entry is layered with cassis and blackberry. The finish exudes vanilla, mocha, and cocoa flavors alongside resolved tannins.
Review:
Richly appointed, with dark blue and purple fruit and a plush mouthfeel. Notes of plum liqueur and freshly roasted coffee grace the palate as dark chocolate and anise entwine with the wine's well-defined structure and satin-lined tannins. Spiced red tea and sandalwood engage with more chocolate on the finish.
-Tasting Panel 95 Points
Golden color. Very aromatic. White flowers, fresh fruit, lime, citrus aromas as well as a bergamot. Pleasant mouthfeel, supple, crisp, fruity flavors. There is a touch of acidity, revealing a deliciously integrated minerality.
Machine harvested at full maturity (around Sept. 25th - lasts 12-18 days); pneumatic press; fermentation in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks for 8-10 days; M.L (2 months after the harvest); aging on the lees until May (3 month extra compared to the Petit Chablis); racking; fining if necessary; cold stabilization; filtration right before bottling in July.
Ideal as an aperitif, the wine is an excellent companion to seafood, smoked salmon for example.