Pax Wine Cellars, The Vicar Grenache-Mourvèdre 2017, North Coast, California

Blending different grape varieties together to fill in the gaps around each other are one of the oldest traditions in winemaking. Grenache for example is all about the fruit, big attack big finish, but sometimes lacking in mid palate weight. While Mourvedre can sometimes be nothing but mid palate texture and spice. It is no wonder that these two varieties are so commonly used together. 2017 vintage – 55% Grenache, 45% Mourvèdre, 100% whole cluster fermentation. Élevage in 50% neutral French oak puncheons & 50% concrete. Tasting notes: Intense black cherry, leather, smoke, Christmas spice and raspberries combine on the exotic aromas that can only be a blend of Grenache & Mourvèdre. Sappy fruit and an intense savory streak make for a well rounded ideal of the two opposing flavors. Still tightly wound and loaded with freshness and precision, this wine will continue to age for many years in your cellar, while providing a powerful and appropriatly medium bodied red blend.