Noble Tree Grenache 2015

Noble Tree Grenache 2015

Grapes: Grenache 100%

ABV: 14.5%

Region: Russian River Valley, CA

Winemaker: Nicolas Cantacuzene

Viniculture: Sustainably-farmed, silty loam-soil vineyard in Russian River Valley, hand-harvested

Winemaking: After hand-sorting, this wine is fermented 20% whole cluster with wild yeasts and aged for 10 months neutral vessels (concrete and large used oak barrels) to preserve varietal character.

“that last bit of strawberry-rhubarb pie in the pan that you scrape with the edge of your fork”

Noble Tree was started by sommeliers to supply excellent, varietally-correct wines to restaurants, and is now helmed by Taub Family Selections, who are committed to sustainable viticulture and producing wines of integrity in Russian River Valley.

California is a big chapter in the history of the Grenache grape. It was and still is one of the grapes commonly grown for field blends, and was traditionally combined with Cinsault, Zinfandel, and grapes like Barbera and Valdiguié. Italian immigrant families would make wine for neighbors, friends, and local markets, and Grenache provided the deep, fruity character that made these wines so yummy and memorable. There’s ancient, gnarled, bush vine Grenache planted up and down the central coast and central valley of California, and this Russian River Grenache is a great example of the vineyards that produced these storied reds.

We selected this Noble Tree Grenache because it screams Grenache. It’s the strawberry jam and white pepper for me. Those are two things that don’t occur at the same time in any other wine besides varietally-pure Grenache.

On the nose, this shows ebullient, ripe fruit: raspberry, cherry compote, and most importantly, roasted strawberries. It carries a wonderful tangy pulpy red fruit note on the finish as well–that last bit of strawberry-rhubarb pie in the pan that you scrape with the edge of your fork. White pepper, tarragon, and fresh spearmint come on the finish.