Professional reviews
James Suckling (96)
Intense and persistent, this grenache bursts with wild aromas of crushed raspberries, chilies and dried rose petals. Sichuan peppercorns and blood oranges are laced with hints of dried mint leaves and smoked sea salt. The medium- to full-bodied palate is tense and bold with gripping spices, firm tannins and a long, tight and chalky finish. Vivid and untamed. Around 70% whole-cluster fermentation. From biodynamically grown grapes.
Vinous (95)
Understated in the glass, the 2022 Grenache Sur Echalas Vineyard wafts up with hints of incense, crushed rocks, sage and blood orange. It is round and supple with rose-infused red berry fruits and herbal tones that sweep across the palate, all guided by brisk acidity. This resonates with citrus and tart wild berries, tapering off with dramatic length and an air of violet pastille that lingers impossibly long.
Jeb Dunnuck (97)
White pepper spice explodes on the nose of the 2022 Grenache Sur Echalas Vineyard, a medium-bodied wine aged 15 months in neutral French oak that’s feral on the palate in sanguine meat and earthiness. Supple texture and an ethereal quality make it nearly Pinot Noir-esque in character, while showing the appellation’s particular propensity for growing superb Grenache. Age another 10-12 years.
Owen Bargreen (100)
Translucent in the glass, the 2022 ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ is sourced from this tightly-spaced location laden with cobblestones just outside the town of Milton-Freewater. Aromatically enchanting, this yields beautiful red rose petals with Asian spices, prosciutto ham, Nori and shades of smoldering stones with bacon grease accents. The palate is impeccably balanced, round and generous, with serious underlying tension that will make your mouth water. Showing great depth and a delightfully long finish, enjoy this novel, one of a kind wine now and over the next eight years.
