2011 Sanguis Grenache Verve
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(made from fruit grown in the Bien Nacido vineyard and aged in older French oak for 30 months): Brilliant ruby-red. Sexy, highly perfumed aromas of red berry liqueur, sandalwood, lavender and Asian spices, with a bright mineral quality adding lift. Offers juicy, expansive black raspberry and floral pastille flavors and an enlivening jolt of white pepper, along with a hint of anise. Closes spicy, sweet and long, with supple tannins adding gentle grip. This wine was vinified with 25% whole clusters.
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Josh Raynolds
Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate
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The 2011 Grenache Verve, which incorporates 18% Syrah and 4% Roussanne, spent 30 months in all neutral barrels before being bottled. It offers a savory profile of red and black fruits, black pepper, gunpowder, and dried spices to go with a medium-bodied, clean, nicely focused feel on the palate. It's a solid 2011 that should be consumed over the coming 3-4 years, as I worry the fruit will start to dry out. My tasting with Matthias Pippig was a big one, and the lineup is loaded with outstanding wines. Tel. (805) 845-0920; www.sanguiswine.com