2021 Andremily Wines Grenache Santa Barbara County, USA Magnum

(96 points) The 2021 Grenache is blended with 15% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre. Grapes come from the Alta Mesa Vineyard in Santa Barbara County and Andremily's new Slide Hill estate vineyard in the Edna Valley. It was vinified using 45% whole clusters and matured for around 21 months in 50% new French barriques and 600-liter demi-muids. Bottled on August 26 and tasted on October 25, its red and black fruit is densely coiled, and it takes plenty of air to reveal pure notes of black licorice, coffee beans, lilac, graphite and tobacco. The full-bodied palate is plush, ripe and spicy, with chocolate-textured tannins and fireworks of fresh acidity to call you back to the glass. Powerful yet seamless, it will continue to unfold as it matures in bottle over the next 15 years or more. (EB) Wine Advocate Review Date: 11/2023