The fruit for this Lee Family Farm bottling is sourced from two vineyards: Wildhorse Vineyard and Ventana in southern Monterey County where daytime temperatures reach the mid to upper 80’s. Both vineyards are cooled by fog and wind drawn in from the cold water of Monterey Bay. The combination of vineyard sites creates a complex wine with superior flavor and balance.

The 2010 growing season was even longer than most in Monterey County. Above average rainfall in the spring combined with cool summer temperatures to delay the vines by about two weeks. Warm weather in late September ripened the fruit for a harvest that lasted through late October. The grapes achieved full phenolic ripeness and intense flavors due to the lighter, concentrated crop.

The grapes are hand sorted in the vineyard and again at the winery before being completely de-stemmed. Whole-berries are fermented in small open-top tanks. Manual punch downs provide for optimum extraction while maintaining an elegantly structured wine. The wine is aged ten months in 18% new French oak.

The 2010 Grenache is a beautiful red-garnet color with aromas of raspberry, plum and rose pedals. On the palate, flavors of red cherry and jasmine are joined by dried cranberry and a hint of oak. This is a medium to full bodied wine which is delicious by itself or with grilled meats and vegetables.