2019 Nelle Will's Hills Grenache

Our 2019 Wills Hills vineyard designate grenache is from the Heaton Family Ranch in Paso Robles’ Willow Creek District.  It showcases intensity and elegance while retaining the bright fruit character for which grenache is known.  The Heaton Family Ranch is all dry farmed, which produces smaller grape clusters with thicker skins, leading to more developed tannins and color.  This grenache has notable flavors which include strawberry, rhubarb pie, dark cherry, peppercorn, dried orange peel, savory herbs, and a hint of minerality from the vineyard’s soils.   This grenache evolves beautifully as it opens during its time in the glass. Given that grenache is a delicate varietal, we prefer to use 500L puncheons for a more subtle oak integration.  The natural beauty of this varietal, vineyard (calcareous limestone soils), and barrel program produces a wine that is reminiscent of the Southern Rhone.  (Robert Parker: 95+)