Grenache, the classic grape of France‘s Southern Rhône, has been grown in the Santa Clara Valley for more than 100 years. And it has been a specialty of Sarah’s beginning with the 1980 vintage. Since 1989, our Grenache has been estate grown on our own blocks. With the drought finally over in 2016, yields were slightly up that year in our Grenache vines. With no threatening fall rains, we were able to allow for extra hang time and superb phenolic ripeness.
To maintain the wine’s beautiful cherry / berry character, this Sarah’s Vineyard Grenache was allowed to mature in neutral French oak for 18 months – softening tannins while preserving the rich fruit aromas and flavors without a heavy oak overlay.
In the glass, the 2016 Sarah’s Vineyard Grenache displays black cherry and cranberry with oregano and spiced candy notes. The fruit carries beautifully into a bright finish with just the right amount of food-pairing acidity and a typical Rhône-style touch of white pepper. Try with a traditional, slow-cooked paella dish or just about anything off the grill. Enjoy now through 2023.
Appellation: Santa Clara Valley
Vineyard: Sarah's Estate
Grower: Tim Slater
Harvest Date: October 2016
Alcohol: 14.4
Cooperage: Neutral French oak, 18 months
Production: 160
