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: 2012 Alban "Estate" Edna Valley Grenache

2012 Alban "Estate" Edna Valley Grenache

SKU #1254378 98 points Wine Advocate

Outer quote mark One of the finest Grenache cuvées made in California, the 2012 Grenache's inky ruby/purple color is followed by classic concentrated Grenache notes of black fruits, roasted herbs, licorice and crushed flowers. Full-bodied, incredibly pure, layered and balanced, I wish every reader (and every winemaker who's releasing these barely colored, mid-weight examples of Grenache) could taste this beauty. (JD) Inner quote mark (8/2016)

94 points Vinous

Outer quote mark Glass-staining ruby. A complex, intensely perfumed bouquet displays aromas of black raspberry liqueur, blueberry, Asian spices and violet, and a smoky mineral nuance emerges with air. Coats the palate with vibrant red and blue flavors; juicy acidity and a jolt of white pepper provide vivacity and lift. Impressively balanced for its heft, finishing with powerful thrust and smooth tannins that fold quickly into the sappy dark fruit. I'd have guessed that there was more Syrah in here. (JR) Inner quote mark (9/2016)

94 points Wine Spectator

Outer quote mark A full-tilt Grenache, bold, complex and crammed with personality. Vivid meaty, cracked pepper and licorice aromas lead to rich, somewhat muscular flavors of smoky blackberry and roasted herbs. Hands off for now. (TF) Inner quote mark (2/2017)

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2012 Alban "Estate" Edna Valley Grenache

Price: $139.99

Quantity:

RP: 98

VN: 94

WS: 94

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Varietal:

Grenache

- Fat, ripe and rich with ample fruit and vibrant acidity, wines made from Grenache are easy to love. While its origins are still under dispute - some suggest Spain, where it is called Garnacha, while others say it came first from Sardinia, where it is called Cannonau - it is inarguably one of the most planted varietals in the world. A hearty grape, Grenache does well in hot, dry regions and its sturdy stalk also makes it well-suited to withstand blustery conditions like the Provençal Mistral. It ripens at relatively high sugar levels, which translates to higher potential alcohol in the wines it produces. Grenache may be most famous in the Southern Rhône areas such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas where it has long been an important component of delicious blends. But it's also the source of the crisp rosés from Tavel, Lirac and Provence, and age-worthy vins doux naturels like Rivsaltes and Banyuls. Grenache is also found in large swaths of northeastern Spain, in Navarre, in Rioja, where it plays a supporting role in blends with Tempranillo, and in the distinctive wines of Priorat. The grape was once the most widely planted varietal in Australia, though Shiraz and Cabernet have overtaken it. In California, Grenache plantings have dwindled from their heyday in the San Joaquin Valley, but it is starting to see a resurgence, albeit in smaller plantings, where other Rhône varietals thrive.

Country:

United States

- When people consider domestic wine, they normally think about the state of California. The fine viticultural Region within California, including the Napa Valley, Sonoma, Santa Cruz Mountains, Mendocino and Santa Barbara, are capable of growing grapes of world-class quality. But there's plenty of fabulous wine coming from other states, too. Oregon, Washington and New York are also causing eyebrows (and glassware) to be raised around the world.

Sub-Region:

California

- With the explosive growth that California's wine industry has seen the past several years, it's easy to view winemaking and grape growing in the Golden State as a recent phenomenon. And while it's true that California's viticultural history is brief compared to several European countries, this state's roots date back well over 200 years. Due to the enormous response to California wine within the United States and worldwide, there are thousands of excellent and diverse wines being produced within the state each year.