Austin Hope Grenache 2014

The 2014 is super dark in the glass, and the nose an intense mix of dried black cherries and raisins with a strong savoury undercurrent flecked with brown spicing and rich vanilla notes. Hedonistic and voluptuous, and this year is all about power and heat in the finish with just enough acidity to keep in in line. There is a tip of the hat to Grenache-based Chateauneuf du Pape. Try this with barbecue ribs or grilled lamb or whole oven-roasted chicken. The Austin Hope Grenache is a mix of three clones: Tablas Creek Vine Selection #2, Clone 362, Garnacha Clone 814 (Spain), all of which a testament to the detail employed at the winery. The vineyard is all high density, the fruit is all handpicked and fermented separately by vineyard block in five-ton, open-top tanks. It's aged eight months in 35 percent new French oak.