2023 Grenache

When Steve Carter planted his Three Way Vineyard, he had visions of producing a GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvédre) blend. Steve spent his formative years working for Penfolds in New Zealand and wanted to produce a Paso Robles version of the classic blend.  I was up for it but insisted upon fermenting the individual grapes separately and not as a field blend.  We are happy we did because the individual wines were outstanding.  Each one has a distinctive personality and while the blend was good, the individual pieces were better.  This is my way of introducing you to the Grenache from Three Way.  We have made Three Way Grenache since 2017 but never in a quantity sufficient for it to be part of the Wine Club.

For eight years now we have produced two Grenaches. One is from Ron Silva’s Silvaspoons Vineyard in Alta Mesa District of Lodi, the other comes the Three Way Vineyard in the Adelaida District of Paso Robles.  The difference between the two is that the wine from Lodi is a luncheon wine and the wine from Paso Robles is a dinner wine.  I always wanted a light style red in our portfolio of offerings that could be enjoyed in a simple setting where a refreshing nature was appropriate.  The Silvaspoons Grenache fits the bill perfectly.  Given a chill, the Silvaspoons Grenache is a perfect warm weather quaff.  The wine made from Steve’s Grenache is much more substantial with a depth of flavor and color that can handle an elevated alcohol level without putting too much focus on the tannins of the wine.  It will be perfect to pair with roasted meats seasoned with cumin, allspice, paprika and clove.

The 2023 Three Way Grenache has a ruby purple color of substantial depth with a youthful garnet hue.  The aroma has plenty of grilled plum and briary strawberry scents along with some notes of  black pepper and dried herbs.  Nine months, in small oak barrels has generated a sweet bouquet of vanilla and almond paste.  On the palate this vintage is a bit more substantial than previous editions.  There are savory red fruits and plum delivered by a wine with a soft friendly texture.  As always the tannins are supple and integrated.  The succulent fruit flavors transition to a lengthy finish of toasty oak with nuances of leather and mineral, not too much but enough to remind us that this wine is Grenache and it hails from the Rhone Valley.

Oak Regime:   17% American Oak      50% French Oak        33% Neutral Oak