Jolie-Laide Grenache Syrah Mourvèdre Viognier Shake Ridge

Great weekday wine. Very smooth. jammy.

Had this for the Super Bowl. I was really impressed. It is a first-class Grenache blend that does everything it should, with no extra heaviness but still tons of savory flavors and complexity. A really impressive bottle for the money ($22).

PNP, started with a smoky nose but in a good way, felt like the Syrah was the only grape. First sips were tight and almost tart. After 30 minutes it mellowed and found some fruit. An hour later the fruit integrated perfectly and the smokey nose had completely blown off. Drink now.

Red berry and cherry cola leap from the glass with an herbaceous (pleasantly steamy) quality. Medium weight with enough grip to handle light meats and bright acidity. It’s a decent drinking wine though not overly complex or thought provoking. Well made and solid for the price. Drink now.

I was really looking forward to this but like the Wilde Farm it disappointed a bit. Had a bit more density than that Halcon syrah if not more flesh. Red berry fruit and herbs dominate but again the VA kick makes it a little less enjoyable for me. I like what I think they have in mind here and note that this is the first vintage with fruit from this vineyard.

Much more than pleasant wine. Opens with not-quite-ripe fruit--plum, black raspberry. Medium-bodied. Has a brightness that I am attributing to youth. Again, a wine that can lay sideways for more aging, but why? It is easy to drink now.

Medium plus nose shows white pepper, sour plum, blackberry skin, raspberry compote, rock tones. Palate is like a Cotes du Rhone with more backbone. Finishes tasty, but also needs time to tame down the tannic structure.

PnP with lamb. A lovely mid weight take on a Rhône blend. Mid+ acid, 13%