2019 French Creek Block 20

100% Grenache:  

100% French Creek Vineyard, Block 20

French Creek vineyard is a new vineyard for us in 2019, and we are lucky to be able to source grenache grapes from two blocks of different clones of grenache. For our single vineyard bottlings, we decided to showcase the two different blocks to be able to compare and contrast the differences. Block 20 is all grenache clone 515, which was originally imported into the US in 1997. This clone tends to bring some savory baking spice notes to the finished wine.

Tasting Notes:  Block 20 features rich, dense, dark red fruit mingling with notes of allspice and cloves. The palate is brimming with raspberry and blackberry, the fruit notes accented by a hint of dark chocolate, which carries into the finish with just a touch of salinity. This wine is rich and intense right now and will certainly reward some time in the cellar.

$38

Wine Enthusiast: 89 pts

This is a rare, single-block, single-clone (515) look at Grenache from this site in Yakima Valley best known for Chardonnay. The aromas pop, with notes of satsuma, white pepper, wintergreen and red raspberry. The flavors are light and pure, without any trace of new oak in site. — Sean Sullivan