Aonair Wines
Duarte Vineyard Grenache Blend
El Dorado County, Sierra Foothills, California, USA
I kept my hands off this vintage as long as I could, but I got curious and just had to try it. I love all of Aonair’s wines. I’ve had plenty of the ‘14, but I think this surpasses it. At pop and pour, I was shocked at how dark and purple this was and then shocked again when the main note I got on the nose was candied bacon and fresh squeezed blackberries. Based on color and smell, I would have blind guessed Syrah. The Grenache came through on this when it hit the palate. Front and midpalate were very crisp and elegant. Lots of berry flavors alongside smoked cedar and savory spices. The finish warrants decanting this for at least an hour...still pretty tight, but is killer after some air. Peppercorn, soy sauce, rhubarb. Great Grenache! @Martin G Rivard , if you’ve opened the one I sent you, I hope you gave it some air and more importantly, I hope you enjoyed it!
I kept my hands off this vintage as long as I could, but I got curious and just had to try it. I love all of Aonair’s wines. I’ve had plenty of the ‘14, but I think this surpasses it. At pop and pour, I was shocked at how dark and purple this was and then shocked again when the main note I got on the nose was candied bacon and fresh squeezed blackberries. Based on color and smell, I would have blind guessed Syrah. The Grenache came through on this when it hit the palate. Front and midpalate were very crisp and elegant. Lots of berry flavors alongside smoked cedar and savory spices. The finish warrants decanting this for at least an hour...still pretty tight, but is killer after some air. Peppercorn, soy sauce, rhubarb. Great Grenache! @Martin G Rivard , if you’ve opened the one I sent you, I hope you gave it some air and more importantly, I hope you enjoyed it!
Dec 8th, 2017