When a winemaker is good at creating big red wines, the technique seems to rub off on everything he touches. Maybe there is a little of bit of Midas to it, but when T-Vine’s Fernando Candelario puts together even a “quaffy” Grenache, stand back.
Now a Library Wine at T-Vine, there is still enough of their 2009 vintage Grenache out there in distribution to keep us coming back for more. And right now, there is still some left here at many of the valley’s Total Wine outlets for a decent take home order. It’s priced at about $35 a bottle and it’s even better now, a little older and a little mellower.
If you’re a fan of surprisingly big red wines, the price is still reasonable enough. With a wonderful dark berry bouquet including hints of blueberry, black raspberries, and cinnamon, it’s as complex as a Cabernet Sauvignon. But the real surprise is in the body, plenty of soft juicy tannins and a woven-in acidity that has lots of vanilla and cherry in the finish.
Many would even argue that it’s a pie-jammy Zinfandel, but T-Vine is good at fooling all of us, just as they have been doing for years. Its beautiful dark ruby color will even confuse you more. Just don’t think so much and enjoy.
So kick back at your next fall party and be prepared for some real American Grenache to go with those broiled lamb chops. With only 695 cases produced, this one will just get less and less available. Salute, Fernando!
Article by Tom Peiffer, Phoenix Wine Shopping Examiner at Examiner.com
View more of Tom’s articles on Examiner.com by visiting his writer’s page.
