2013 Keplinger Mars

The 2013 Mars, a new Grenache-based wine from vines on volcanic soils on the Sonoma side of Mt. Veeder, is superb. Sweet floral notes open up first, followed by a host of pine, menthol and rose petal overtones. At times, the Mars feels ethereal and elusive, yet there is plenty of depth to back things up. To be sure, this eccentric red has plenty to say. The blend is 50% Grenache, 32% Syrah and 18% Mourvèdre, co-fermented and aged mostly in neutral oak.