2013 Wind Gap Grenache Sceales Vineyard 750 ml

Galloni “Blown Away” by Wind Gap’s 2013 Releases

While the great reds of Châteauneuf-du-Pape rank among the most voluptuous, age-worthy wines in the world, few in California have figured out how to grow world-class Grenache to Châteauneuf’s high-scoring standard.

One of the few to crack the code is Pax Mahle, the brilliant winemaker who has crafted some of the most stunning and highest-rated Rhône varietals in America. After exploding onto the scene with Pax Cellars, turning Robert Parker into one of his most vocal fans, Mahle started Wind Gap in 2006, dedicating himself to experimenting with cooler sites, where grapes could ripen fully at more modest sugar levels. The results since have been nothing short of stellar.

A 2013 Wind Gap slate that was “full of gems” sent Vinous founder Antonio Galloni over the moon: “After having spent a considerable amount of time in France, Italy, and Napa Valley over the last year, I was simply blown away by not only the quality of these wines, but their pricing… I can’t recommend these wines highly enough.”

In the spectacular 2013 growing season, the inimitable Mr. Mahle turned out one of the greatest Grenaches of his career, a bottle that simply can’t be topped for sheer purity and elegance. Hailing from the historic Sceales Vineyard in Alexander Valley, the 4-acre dry-farmed plot is pure sand, home to nearly century-old, head-trained Grenache vines that overdeliver in practically every vintage.  

The winter of 2012-2013 was exceedingly dry. Bud break came very early with a copious fruit set. Mahle told us that his Grenache clusters were loose, yet berry size was unusually small. From May-August the weather was quite warm, but without the torrid heat spikes that can blister clusters. By mid-August, sugars were soaring, yet somehow, acids remained firm. Most importantly, the dry heat made for thick skins and grapes of high skin-to-juice ratio.

Galloni, bullish on all the 2013 Wind Gap wines, lobbed 91+ points on this beauty, calling it “deep, dense and super expressive.” Two years ago, Galloni was sure this 2013 Grenache would “develop beautifully over the coming years.” We can confirm it has.

100% whole-cluster fermentation. Opaque purple-ruby to the rim. Explosive aromas of red berry, licorice, and sweet spice. Rich, compact, and dense on the attack, filled with black raspberry preserves, almost briery in texture, finishing with great length and sophistication. Marked by the sumptuous tannins and firm acidity of the extraordinary 2013 vintage.

91+ points from Galloni. Just $33.99 today for 500 bottles — as good as rich, aromatic, coastal red wine ever gets. Shipping included on 6. NOT TO BE MISSED!!!