Grenache has been grown and made in Washington for decades, but the variety is a bit on the tender side when it comes to cold winters, so it has never caught on in a big way. However, with the surge of interest in Rhône-style reds and whites in recent years, growers and winemakers are finding places to grow Grenache successfully. One of these areas is Snipes Mountain, an upthrust in the heart of the Yakima Valley that, it turns out, is one of the warmest areas in the state to grow wine grapes. This delicious example from winemaker Robert Smasne opens with aromas of fruit punch, sweet herbs, caramel and ripe raspberry. On the palate, it is a sensual wine with flavors of Rainier cherry, strawberry, raspberry and spices, all backed with fine-grained tannins.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 154 cases
Alcohol: 13.9%
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