WTN: 2014 Idlewild Grenache Gris

[David M. Bueker]

2014 Idlewild Grenache Gris Rosé Gibson Ranch - USA, California, North Coast, Mendocino (8/6/2016)
Every time I drink this wine it has turned into something else. Sometimes it is overtly fruity. Sometimes the savory notes dominate. It transforms depending on the food. Last night I served it with a wine killer, pesto, and it stood up to the task with no problem. The savory herbs and mineral elements took center stage and complimented the food. Later on I had another glass, and on its own the red fruit elements came forward. I only have one bottle left, and sadly Sam no longer makes the wine, so after that bottle it will be just a happy memory.

a wine killer, pesto...

Interesting. I never considered pesto a wine killer. Is it the basil? The pine nuts? I suppose - as always - it depends on the exact proportions, amount in the dish, etc.

I do agree that wines that are too shy or subtle may not work, but I've had good luck with a range of off-dry rieslings or even more robust dry rieslings, or 'rustic' red wines with enough - but not too much - body.

[David M. Bueker]

The garlic!

The garlic!

Yes. I tend to go light on the garlic when I make pesto at home. (Although I do love the taste)

[David M. Bueker]

We use quite a bit, especially when we can get fresh, local stuff.

When I learned Sam was not going to make this wine any more, I stocked up. I also suggested that Grenache Gris could be his outlier wine, like Steve Edmunds has with Bone Jolly.