These older vines planted in the early 90’s continue to WOW with depth and intensity, and the rocky sandstone soils give this wine a minerality and snap that is a blast to experience. South facing terraces always guarantee ripening at this vineyard, and the purity of flavor and aromatics that result are amazing. Red plum, strawberry jam, kirsch, white pepper, sage, iris and orange peel jump from the glass. The palate is dense and sappy, with a smooth, luxurious appeal, leading to an elegant and finesse-driven finish.
There's not much Grenache on Mt. Veeder, and the 2016 Grenache Paras Vineyard comes from a high-density planting of 100% Grenache that was destemmed and brought up in neutral oak. It has a medium ruby color as well as a spicy, complex, nuanced style of spiced strawberries, black raspberries, savory herbs, and dried rose petals. It's ripe, sexy, medium to full-bodied, has fine tannins, and will drink beautifully for a decade.
Opens with a burst of rose petal and raspberry flavors before unveiling a serious, firm structure, accented by cherry, crushed rock and smoky beef notes. Hands off for now. Best from 2020 through 2026.
