2019 June Mountain Vineyard Grenache - Stringer Cellars

Sweet strawberry, white pepper, fresh-picked boysenberry. Candied red cherry, tree bark, juicy purple plum. Impressively dense yet surprisingly lifted explosions of crushed blueberry, cranberry liqueur, and red apple skin boom with deep and highly expressive intensity within an attack brimming with peppercorn, chili powder, cinnamon, and an eclectic range of spices. Notes of bramble, fallen tree, and manzanita expose delightfully woody and stemmy undercurrents beautifully livened by lofty floral tones of violets, hydrangeas, and rose oil. Hints of tobacco and dark roast coffee further enhance non-fruit nuance as suggestions of iron, volcanic rock, and loam provide glimmers of enticing earthiness. Tremendously forward and aromatic on the nose while coming across as bold yet wonderfully dry, tart, and fresh on the palate; exhibiting a ripe yet restrained presentation that is fruit driven yet still packed with tons of delicious savory character. Full bodied and flawlessly balanced with elevated velvety tannin backed by moderate acidity. This 2019 June Mountain Vineyard Grenache by Stringer Cellars is a highly complex and intriguing red from Sonoma County's Fountaingrove District.

Tucked directly between Sonoma Valley and Knights Valley in the western foothills of the Mayacamas Mountain Range, the Fountaingrove District is a historic yet largely under-the-radar winegrowing appellation that is quietly producing a wide range of fantastic wine. This bottling, crafted by Stringer Cellars using 100% Grenache sourced from the high elevation June Mountain Vineyard in the Fountaingrove District, brilliantly expresses how this unique region is shaped by both warm and cool climate influences. This wine boldly jumps from the glass with a plethora of plump red and dark fruits enhanced by peppery spices, savory woody character, blooming flowers, and iron-rich earth. Although thoroughly ripe and concentrated this remains surprisingly fresh and balanced, and it manages to beautifully and authentically represent both its grape and region of origin. Outstanding.