2003 The Fave Grenache

The most potent offering in terms of alcohol content is the 2003 Grenache The Fave. Produced from a single Barossa vineyard planted in the 1930s, cropped at 1.5 tons of fruit per acre, and aged 14 months in old French oak, readers weaned on European-styled reds will need to be open-minded as well as have some appreciation for diversity when tasting such a monster. However, it is remarkably well-balanced. A deep ruby/purple color accompanies huge notes of kirsch liqueur, melted licorice, earth, spice, and a notion of herbs, a sumptuous texture, blockbuster length, and tremendous purity, fruit, and glycerin. If you don’t like full-throttle Grenache, steer clear of this one. I would opt for drinking it over the next 5-7 years, although I suspect it will keep for a decade or more. Importer: Benjamin Hammerschlag, Epicurean Wines, Seattle, WA; tel. (206) 923-1376