FRICK: Grenache Blanc 2013, Estate Owl Hill Vineyard

Dry Creek Valley, California

92 Points | “Highly Recommended”

Frick Winery’s Grenache Blanc is, vintage after vintage, a thing of beauty and rarity. There are only four acres of Grenache Blanc, a traditional white Rhone variety, planted in Sonoma County, all-told (as opposed to over 15,000 acres of Chardonnay), and we are fortunate that Bill Frick has some of those vines planted to his rocky, south-facing Owl Hill Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley. Its color is a deeply pigmented golden yellow — stunning in the glass. Aromas are effusive, with suggestions of star fruit, lemon verbena, and macadamia nut; and flavors are sumptuous, with notes of tropical fruit basket, Bananas Foster, and tarragon — all layered with impressions of citrus zest, wet stone, and cardamom over a velvety, viscous finish. The wine is dry, full-bodied, and fleshy on the palate, with quenching acidity. It was fermented and aged in 45% in new oak barrels and 55% stainless steel, sur lie.

This wine is truly a charmer; enjoy it now through 2020 with any variety of lighter, even spicy, fare, including seafood of all types, fresh fruit salad, Thai curries, spring rolls, and grilled fruits and vegetables.

Frick’s 2014 Grenache Blanc is now available, as well, and we look forward to tasting it and sharing our impressions. Our mouths are watering in anticipation.

14.9% ABV | 122 Cases Produced | $26

Availability: www.frickwinery.com