2023 Florez Wines ‘Pope’s Smoke’ Grenache, Santa Cruz Mountains, USA

Details

During my stage(internship) in Burgundy 2014, I was presented with a blind wine and asked what I thought of it. It stood out immediately with perfumed, ripe strawberries and violet florality. An unctuous palate that performed a beautiful high wire act of being powerful while remaining silky and light. I really had no idea of the variety but I did know by my gut instinct it was a special wine. I guessed Pinot Noir, as I was in Burgundy after all. It was a 2005 Grenache from Chateau Rayas. I had never heard of the domaine at the time. I was quickly educated on the winery and their most esteemed 100% Grenache. Ever since that tasting, I took a serious interest in the potential of Grenache. It is a variety I have worked with since the inception of florz. Through experience I have observed Grenache is one of the most terroir influenced grapes I have ever worked with. Each vineyard I have worked with has created a distinctly different wine.

Expression

A garnet red with an engaging and unique aromatic profile of beeswax, red licorice, and strawberry. The palate is dense with red fruit and a mouthwatering finish. 13.1% ABV

-From the winemaker