2021 Terre et Sang Kissing Vipers Grenache Bien Nacido Vineyard | Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, California 750ml

Being able to work with Bien Nacido fruit is a privilege. One that we do not take lightly. It is, however, a privilege that comes with a huge amount of responsibility. The responsibility to craft something that is truly representative of such a storied and celebrated site. We apply every ounce of our focus, hearts and knowledge into growing and crafting this wine.
Our Grenache comes from the steep south-east facing hillside of block 35. We employ precision cluster shaping, structured canopy management and aggressive fruit thinning to create a healthy and uniform crop. The resulting wine is both luscious and elegant, lengthy and driven. For a touch of structure and tannin we add a tiny 5% splash of the famed X-block syrah. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. | Duncan and Dalita Harmon for Terre et Sang

Smoky red and black fruits, ground pepper, leather, and some floral notes all define the 2021 Grenache Kissing Vipers, a rocking red based on 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah brought up in just under 60% new barrels. It has a pure, balanced mouthfeel, medium to full-bodied richness, some background oak, and a great finish. It's a ripe, hedonistic beauty that would stand toe to toe with a top Chateauneuf du Pape. I'd be thrilled to drink a bottle any time over the coming decade or more. | 96 points Jeb Dunnuck for jebdunnuck.com