2017 Willamette Valley Vineyards, Grenache, Griffin Creek, Rogue Valley
Divvy-Up
80 Points
Tasting Notes
On the nose, this is a lovely ruit-forward wine with ripe plum, cherry and raspberry. The palate presents a broad spectrum of lush and inviting red and dark fruits accented by sweet baking spices, anise and lilac. The wine is framed by a soft finish with smooth tannins and a round mouthfeel..
Vineyard
For more than two decades we have been working with growers Don and Traute Moore, crafting the highest-quality wines from their Rogue Valley vineyards.
Pioneers of the Oregon wine industry, Don and Traute Moore have been cultivating vines at their Quail Run Vineyards in the Rogue Valley since 1989, growing varietals from all over the world. What they discovered through careful site selection and temperatures similar to France’s Bordeaux or Rhône regions was the ability to grow a “world of wine” in the Rogue Valley as the varietals flourished. Their site is now one of Oregon’s largest and highly regarded vineyards in the industry.
Quail Run Vineyards is LIVE Certified and collaborate closely with universities on multiple experiments to improve grape quality, improve soils and pest management practices.
Comments
Willamette Valley Vineyards Tasting Notes
On the nose, this is a lovely ruit-forward wine with ripe plum, cherry and raspberry. The palate presents a broad spectrum of lush and inviting red and dark fruits accented by sweet baking spices, anise and lilac. The wine is framed by a soft finish with smooth tannins and a round mouthfeel..
Vineyard
For more than two decades we have been working with growers Don and Traute Moore, crafting the highest-quality wines from their Rogue Valley vineyards.
Pioneers of the Oregon wine industry, Don and Traute Moore have been cultivating vines at their Quail Run Vineyards in the Rogue Valley since 1989, growing varietals from all over the world. What they discovered through careful site selection and temperatures similar to France’s Bordeaux or Rhône regions was the ability to grow a “world of wine” in the Rogue Valley as the varietals flourished. Their site is now one of Oregon’s largest and highly regarded vineyards in the industry.
Quail Run Vineyards is LIVE Certified and collaborate closely with universities on multiple experiments to improve grape quality, improve soils and pest management practices.
I was pleased to discover Griffin Creek’s 2017 Grenache. Elegant, with a burst of berry, a subtle hint of spice, and a velvety, long finish.
I paired the Grenache with Spicy Prosciutto Pesto Pasta and it proved a perfect complement to our meal, holding its own, never getting lost in the complex spices. It maintained its independence and elevated the dish.
Living in Northern California wine country, we tend to lean into this region for wine, but I’m now officially sold on exploring more of Griffin Creek’s Willamette Valley wines.
I'm in for a case at least! It's an interesting look at Grenache, my first from this region at large.