From three older vineyards, one in San Benito, one in Monterey, and one from Santa Clara, the 2021 Grenache La Marea is 50% whole-cluster and spent 16 months in barrel. Upfront plum and strawberry fruit seasoned in baking spice is intertwined in white pepper, with undeniable granitic grip. Medium-bodied, the acidity is fresh and uplifting, and the tannins matured and smooth. Drink now and for another 7-10 years.
95 points, Virginie Boone, Jeb Dunnuck (Apr 2025)
Fresh red plum, charred tomato, toasted herb and white pepper aromas make for a complex and inviting nose on this bottling. The palate is wrapped in a tense frame, as bright raspberry and hibiscus flavors are spiced up by more white-pepper dust.
93 points, Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast (Nov 2024)