2017 Keplinger Grenache Basilisk
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Helen Keplinger's Basilisk, 100% Grenache from the Russian River, is a pretty big wine in 2017. Varietal notes are kicked up a few notches in a bold, luscious wine that will drink well right out of the gate. A rush of dark red fruit, licorice, crushed flowers and mocha builds as this dense Grenache opens up in the glass. The tannins remain quite firm. I imagine at least some of that is attributable to the intense heat of 2017. Time in bottle will help, but to a limited extent.
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Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
A deeply colored Grenache, the 2017 Grenache Basilisk has impressive notes of ripe blue fruits, ground herbs, lavender, and cracked pepper. These all carry to a medium to full-bodied, concentrated yet elegant effort that has ripe, polished tannins, a layered, multi-dimensional texture, and a great finish. There aren’t many Grenaches from the Russian River, but this is unquestionably one of the best. Drink it over the coming decade.
From the Greywacke vineyard farmed by Chris Bollanger, the 2017 Grenache Basilisk is made of 100% Grenache aged 18 months in 50% new French oak. Deep garnet-purple colored, it features bold notions of baked black and red cherries, mulberries and plum preserves with touches of candied violets, star anise, oolong tea and forest floor. The palate is full-bodied, firm and chewy with lovely freshness lifting the densely packed fruit through the long spicy finish. Only 80 cases were made.