Quivira Vineyards, Wine Creek Ranch Grenache, Dry Creek Valley 2019

Description

Quivira Vineyards, Wine Creek Ranch Grenache, Dry Creek Valley 2019

This distinguished bottling from Quivira Vineyards is a testament to the elegance achievable in Sonoma County, composed of a precise blend of 81% Grenache and 19% Mourvèdre. The Grenache is of particular note, sourced from clones with a prestigious lineage tracing back to Château de Beaucastel in the Rhône Valley. The fruit is grown exclusively at Wine Creek Ranch, a site situated in a cooler pocket of the Dry Creek Valley AVA near the confluence of Wine Creek and Dry Creek. This location mimics the terroir of the Southern Rhône, fostering grapes with excellent acidity and phenolic maturity. Quivira is steadfast in its commitment to environmental stewardship, utilizing certified organic and biodynamic farming practices to maintain a healthy vineyard ecosystem that yields fruit of exceptional purity and vitality.

The 2019 vintage was marked by lower-than-average yields, a factor that naturally concentrated the flavors within the remaining berries. To capture this intensity without sacrificing finesse, winemaker Hugh Chappelle adopted a gentle approach often associated with Pinot Noir production. The winemaking process included the use of 15-20% whole grape clusters during fermentation to introduce savory complexity and structural lift. Subsequent aging occurred in massive 600- and 900-gallon French oak foudres; this large-format neutral oak allowed the wine to breathe and develop texture without imparting overwhelming wood flavors, preserving the varietal's bright, fresh character.

In the glass, the wine presents a day-bright ruby red core that transitions to a polished pink rim, displaying excellent clarity and viscosity. The nose is vibrant and multifaceted, bursting with aromas of strawberry rhubarb pie and dried orange peel, accented by savory undertones of white pepper and a dusting of Italian herbs. On the palate, this is a dry, medium-bodied wine that strikes a balance between juicy fruit and structural elegance. Flavors of ripe strawberries and red plums are nuanced by a hint of green tobacco leaf and the signature spice of ground cinnamon. The tannin structure is medium and well-integrated, providing a smooth mouthfeel that resolves into a finish featuring notes of red fruits dipped in milk chocolate.

This Grenache is an exceptional companion for American culinary staples. It pairs beautifully with smoky, slow-cooked pulled pork sandwiches, as the wine's vibrant acidity cuts through the richness of the pork while echoing the smoke. It would also be a fantastic match for grilled chicken thighs finished with a cherry glaze, allowing the wine's red fruit profile to harmonize with the savory-sweet elements of the dish. The quality of this vintage has been widely recognized, earning 94 points from Wine Review Online, 92 points from Wine Spectator, and 90 points from Wine Enthusiast. These scores highlight the wine as a high-value example of biodynamic winemaking in Dry Creek Valley.