"What did I ever do to you?" New World Grenache

I'm in a couple of "serious" tasting groups, but also have a monthly village group that is more a "guys night out" for most. Which is fine- group has some of my closest friends. But there's one other serious wine guy (rep for Jenny and Francois), couple of guys who collect a bit, and the rest guys who aren't really into wine. Host chooses theme. So my friend Dave emailed today the theme: New World Grenache (at least 45% Grenache). My response is in subject line. I'll need to shop, as I don't think I have anything that qualifies (I have a couple older ESJs - Rocks and Gravel and LRV- that have Grenache, but not sure over 45%). So if you were suggesting a New World Grenache or Grenache dominant blend to a Francophile who regards Grenache as probably his least favorite major red grape- what would be some names to look for?

I suspect you'd like Henschke Johann's Garden - 71% Grenache, and a more elegantly styled CDP-style blend.

I'm also a big fan of the Jemrose Grenache, which is the most restrained Cali Grenache I've come across (from Bennett Valley).

An old vine McLaren Vale Grenache. With a little bottle age, d'Arenburg's Custodian can taste just like a CdP from a ripe vintage.

Only thing in my cellar that fits is the Tercero Cuvée Loco. 50/50 Syrah/Grenache single vineyard, Larner I think. It was my fab of Larry's wines when I tasted there in the fall. Core has done well with Grenache in the past and there is always Qupe.

I had one of those 'I didn't know California wine could do this' moments when I recently enjoyed Unti's Grenache from Dry Creek Valley--very textured and very savory. Very reasonably priced as well.

Page Springs Cellars here in AZ makes Grenache from Colibri Vineyard (5200' elevation in the Chiricahua Mountains) that is quite good. While it may not be on the shelves of your favorite retailers, they can probably order it, or, if NY law permits, you can order direct from the winery.

I don't recall tasting their Grenache from the Arizona Stronghold Vineyard (also in southern AZ, but at around 4000'), but based on my experience with Page Springs wines, I wouldn't hesitate to try it.

Page Springs Cellars here in AZ makes Grenache from Colibri Vineyard (5200' elevation in the Chiricahua Mountains) that is quite good. While it may not be on the shelves of your favorite retailers, they can probably order it, or, if NY law permits, you can order direct from the winery.

I don't recall tasting their Grenache from the Arizona Stronghold Vineyard (also in southern AZ, but at around 4000'), but based on my experience with Page Springs wines, I wouldn't hesitate to try it.

I'll second that, if you can get your hands on it Dale. AZ is doing very well with Rhone varities, and Page Spring Cellars makes excellent wine by any standard.

I'll second the vote for Unti and throw one in for Cedarville's grenache as well. Don't know if you'll find either of them near you, though.

I went to a local Grenache tasting in Sept. My favorites were from Mounts Family and Sheldon. Don't know about blends or availability.

Did it specify it had to be red or is Grenache Blanc acceptable. Tablas has a GB. The Rideau GB is very nice but probably not available locally. I think central coast does Grenache Blanc better than the rouge.

Might be impossible to get, but the best New World Grenache I've ever had is Cayuse's God Only Knows. Actually, the only one I've ever enjoyed, outside of ESJ's Rocks & Gravel, which as you note is a blend. But a real delight.

Actually, there is another, also from Walla Walla -- Rotie Cellars' Southern Blend, which is majority Grenache. Tasted it at the winery and thought it was a very solid attempt at a southern Rhone-style wine. That one you can at least buy from the winery and have it shipped (if NY is a direct shipping state).

thanks everyone. Great suggestions, I should have thought of Unit, I've liked before. I've been looking for each of these- event is next Fri, and I don't want to pay a bunch of shipping for one bottle. I realized that I might have a Tablas Creek Cotes de Tablas, have to find out how much Grenache.

thanks everyone. Great suggestions, I should have thought of Unit, I've liked before. I've been looking for each of these- event is next Fri, and I don't want to pay a bunch of shipping for one bottle. I realized that I might have a Tablas Creek Cotes de Tablas, have to find out how much Grenache.

You beat me to it, Dale. Tablas Creek would be my first choice (knowing as you do that I'm much more of a Grenachophile than you) and Unti an acceptable alternative. Cedarville also does a Grenache (with 17% Syrah). I've never had it, but on the basis of my impressions of their other wines, I'd give it a shot.

Cheers from Down Under,
Mark Lipton

You could always be busy that night...

You could always be busy that night...

When it comes down to it, I'd drink 16% ooze monsters to be with my frionds, it's a good group of guys. Most of the wines ended up being drinkable. I'll post notes today. Thanks everyone, especially Steve (both for making the 2001 R&G, and letting me know it was 46%)