This wine exudes personality, one of the better budget wines I’ve come across, not because of its technical virtues but because you can explore it. The aromas have a slight funk, the midpalate flattens out too much but people are like that too—it’s why they’re interesting.
Aromas hold your attention, with red raspberry, white pepper, dried thyme and a background layer of wet earth sheathed in a slight chemical note that doesn’t distract.
Bright and quite juicy on a medium frame buoyed by the barest hint of sandy texture through the midpalate, the fruit then begins to fade as the slightly bitter tannins swell to medium length, accented by tart top notes insinuating rustic charm.
This is a cerebral wine with a friendly face, but a dark side to its soul that isn’t always evident. Dave Alvin’s Everett Ruess has the same quiet urgency and softly rugged pathos. Highly recommended at this price.
Technical Notes: From an iconic estate now owned by the Frey family, sourced from 40 year old vines, a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah, aged in 20% large older barrel and 80% in stainless tanks
Score: 89
Alc: 13.5%
Price: 12%
Exploring the Philosophy of Food and Wine 