Professional reviews
James Suckling (96)
This has pretty aromas of wild strawberries, pink peppercorns, raspberries and wet earth. It’s medium- to full-bodied, crunchy and vibrant on the palate, with lots of bite and energy. About 90% grenache (about 70% whole-cluster fermented) and 10% of God Only Knows! From biodynamically grown grapes.
Vinous (97)
he perfumed 2022 God Only Knows entices with a cascade of geraniums, violets, crushed rocks and wild-stemmed strawberries. It's energetic and vibrant throughout, with a pop of bright cherry and blueberry complicated by crisp mineral tones and rosy inner florals. Sweet tannins frame the finish as nuances of Earl Grey and lavender linger on and on. The 2022 is a model of purity.
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
A tremendous wine leading with 90% Grenache, all the grapes sourced from Armada Vineyard, the 2022 Grenache God Only Knows is dark and brooding, with a fierce grip to the youthful tannins. Briny, it tastes of black licorice and velvety raspberry, opening slowly in the glass to hint at lavender, garrigue, and other mysterious exotica. Medium-bodied, it was given 21 months in neutral French oak, allowing the site and the grapes to speak. Outstandingly memorable, this should age gracefully 20 or more years.
Owen Bargreen (99)
This 2022 edition of this famed bottling stands considerably more translucent than the ’21. A small amount of Syrah has been added to the otherworldly 2022 ‘Gold Only Knows’ Red Wine. Stored for 21 months in neutral French oak, this comes from vines planted all the way back in 2001. The nose is marvelously floral with pink and red rose petals that parade with Satsuma orange zest, white truffle shavings, strawberry Starburst candy and suggestions of Oyster sauce that all meld in the glass. The heady aromatics bring you back for more enjoyment. The palate is quite different than the ’21, being considerably more nervy — more reminiscent of the 2017. Without a doubt this edition flirts with perfection, as this beautiful bottling is arguably the finest Grenache made in North America. Enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. But why wait?
