Current Release
2019 Grenache, John Sebastiano 750ML
Grenache at John Sebastiano grows on a steep, south-east facing hillside of almost pure sand on the eastern edge of the block and slightly heavier sandy clay loam toward the west and at the bottom of the block. The block is typically picked very late but at relatively low sugar levels for Grenache. These grapes produce a cool, energetic, mineral-laden wine with juicy, high toned, aromatic red fruits, fresh herbs, and good structure for aging.
In the cool 2019 vintage, the Grenache was harvested in late October at relatively low sugars. We did not see sufficient stem ripeness to permit whole cluster fermentation and decided to destem 100% of the Grenache (typically we use up to 25% whole clusters). The grapes were fermented in 1.5-ton, open top fermenters by native yeasts. At dryness, we drained the free run juice and gently pressed the remaining berries, and then and transferred the wine to large French oak barrels (1200L Muid, 600 L, Demi-Muid and 500L puncheons) for aging. The wine undergoes spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrel. The wine was ultimately aged on its lees for 16 months blending and bottling. The wine is fantastic in this cooler, more elegant year, with bright strawberry and raspberry fruits, fresh herbs and spices, fabulous texture and a very long finish from great structure. Enjoyable now, the wine will improve for 5-7 years and hold much longer.
Extremely Limited. Only 140 cases produced.
In the cool 2019 vintage, the Grenache was harvested in late October at relatively low sugars. We did not see sufficient stem ripeness to permit whole cluster fermentation and decided to destem 100% of the Grenache (typically we use up to 25% whole clusters). The grapes were fermented in 1.5-ton, open top fermenters by native yeasts. At dryness, we drained the free run juice and gently pressed the remaining berries, and then and transferred the wine to large French oak barrels (1200L Muid, 600 L, Demi-Muid and 500L puncheons) for aging. The wine undergoes spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrel. The wine was ultimately aged on its lees for 16 months blending and bottling. The wine is fantastic in this cooler, more elegant year, with bright strawberry and raspberry fruits, fresh herbs and spices, fabulous texture and a very long finish from great structure. Enjoyable now, the wine will improve for 5-7 years and hold much longer.
Extremely Limited. Only 140 cases produced.
Wine Profile
| Vintage | 2019 |
|---|---|
| Varietal | Grenache |
| Size | 750 ml |