2022 The Meeker Vineyard Grenache North Coast 750 ml

When Charles and Molly Meeker planted their flag in Sonoma County's Dry Creek Valley in 1977, they couldn't have imagined the wine legacy they were creating. Nearly five decades later, the 2022 Meeker Vineyard Grenache North Coast stands as testament to both their pioneering spirit and the exceptional terroir of California's North Coast.

The Meeker story reads like a Hollywood screenplay—fitting, given Charlie's dual career as MGM President and weekend winemaker. Their 1984 Zinfandel debut earned a boatload of accolades, and it wasn’t beginner's luck. It was the natural result of matching exceptional vineyard sites with unwavering commitment to quality, launching a dynasty that would see multiple Wine Spectator accolades, including a coveted spot on their Top 100 List. 

Today, under the stewardship of Molly Meeker and her son Lucas—who evolved from tank-scrubbing cellar rat to Head Winemaker—the family continues Charlie's vision while embracing new directions. Their exploration of Grenache represents both homage to old-world traditions and recognition of the North Coast's remarkable versatility.

The 2022 bottling exemplifies this philosophy through meticulous vineyard selection and innovative cellar techniques. Sourced from two distinct North Coast sites and enhanced with 3% Syrah and 1% Mourvèdre, this Grenache pursues the grape's friendlier, more outgoing side. 

Lucas prioritized freshness and levity over traditional structure-building approaches. By reducing the amount of aging to elevate the grape’s inherent fruit and focusing on delicate extraction during primary fermentation, the wine captures Grenache's natural exuberance while avoiding excessive tannin that might overshadow its charming character.

With four decades of winemaking wisdom flowing through their Healdsburg cellars, Meeker Vineyard's 2022 Grenache represents the culmination of generational knowledge, premium North Coast fruit, and the kind of hands-on dedication that can only come from true family ownership. This is California winemaking at its most authentic—rooted in tradition, elevated by innovation.