Grenache 'Fiddleneck'

Score

98

"This is a wildly spicy and fragrant red, showing savory aromas of cardamom, sour cherries, seaweed, peaches, orange rind, juniper berries and white pepper on the nose. It's medium- to full-bodied and incredibly peppery and spicy. Wakes you up. Like a slap in the face, in a good way. Around 70% whole-cluster fermentation. From biodynamically grown grapes. Better from 2028."

Score

98

"The vineyards used in the 2022 Grenache Fiddleneck Vineyard have tight spacing (enough for the Belgian and Percheron draft horses to get through) and a fair amount of shade. The wines get less stem inclusion than in past years, averaging 60 to 70%. There's a lot of freshness here beneath deliciously layered waves of white pepper and wild raspberry, with secondary elements of dark licorice, rose petal, crushed rock, and Asian spice providing a vivid experience of umami. Though powerful, the wine is balanced and ultimately elegant, with 20-25 years of aging potential ahead. Only 277 cases were made."

Score

96

"The 2022 Fiddleneck Vineyard Grenache is explosive with a savory array of olive, sage and salty brine complicating dusty black currants. It opens with a balanced inner sweetness offset by brisk acidity and saline mineral tones as ripe blackberry fruits swirl across a wave of juicy acidity. A citrus twang adds further depth as hints of dried strawberry and an herbal thrust define its long, gently tannic finish."

Score

96

"While black-cherry and peach aromas grab the immediate attention, there's this smoky-meaty note thareminds me of the bowls of burnt ends I'd get as a kid at Arthur Bryant's Barbecue in Kansas City. This beautifully balanced wine makes me happy and homesick. Flavors of smoked cherries, black tea and juniper berries are a mere bonus. Editors' Choice. —M.A."

Score

94+

"Expressive red fruits and dusty florals waft from the glass of the 2022 Grenache Fiddleneck Vineyard, delivering a spicy and complex character that evolves into an earth-driven profile featuring potpourri, spiced cherry and black plum skin aromas. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers layers of complex red fruit flavors with hints of turned earth, roasted black cherries and dried underbrush, all underscored by an abundance of umami essence. Fine-grained tannins lead to a long, velvety finish that beckons me back for another sip. Patience will be rewarded, though it will be hard to resist opening this tempting beauty too early. Should you decide to open one, decanting is recommended. Only 3,312 bottles were produced."

Score

94

"Detailed and expressive, offering sleekly complex flavors of raspberry and blueberry accented with tapenade, smoky meat and cracked pepper notes that finish with refined tannins. Drink now through 2032.—T.F."