Bargreen 95:
This stunning Grenache wine was sourced from Monette's Vineyard in the Walla Walla Rocks region. Prior to bottling the wine was left on the lees for 18 months in neutral French oak barriques. This wine begins with aromatics of rose petals, white flowers, Mandarin orange rind and potpourri. This leads to flavors of red cherry, strawberry, orange zest and strawberry jam. This is pretty, feminine, sexy and absolutely irresistible at this juncture. While less acid-driven than the ’14 bottling, this outstanding wine is just as good and even more impossible to put down as the gorgeous aromatic and flavor range shows through. Only 103 cases made of this absolutely stunning Grenache wine which is one of the best of its kind in Washington state. Drink 2017-2029
Also best ever for Vinous:
(15.4% alcohol; fermented with wild yeasts in neutral oak puncheons, with uncrushed berries on top of 20% wh clusters): Moderately saturated medium red. Aromas of strawberry, cherry and spices. Dense and tactile, offeri lovely combination of creamy and fresh elements. Fine-grained plum, cherry and spice flavors carry through to smooth, long finish that shows surprising energy. The wine's elevated alcohol is nicely buffered by a saline quali This is Naravane's favorite vintage to date for this Grenache bottling.
Again, Wine-Searcher says this one sold out everywhere else at $81.
As far as being “first among equals,” I’d say this Washington Grenache may have no equals.
