Wine Details
Vintage: 2023
Alcohol: 13.8%
pH: 3.62
TA: 6.2 g/L
Residual Sugar: 0.4 g/L (Dry)
Production: 310 cases
Bottle Price: $45
2023 Gaffer's Grenache
Bright, Fruit-Forward, and Silky
Winemaking
Harvest Date: October 15, 2023
Barrel Aging: 13 months
Oak: 20% new French oak, 80% neutral
Toast Level: Light
Fermentation: Native yeast, open-top fermenters
Bottling Date: November 18, 2024
Tasting Notes
Appearance
Luminous ruby with pink-orange rim. Medium body with graceful legs reflecting the wine's balanced alcohol and elegance.
Nose
Delicate and perfumed with fresh red cherry, wild strawberry, and red currant. Vibrant floral notes of violet and hibiscus intermingle with hints of white pepper, dried thyme, and pink peppercorn. A whisper of wet stone minerality adds complexity.
Palate
Exceptionally refined with silky, fine-grained tannins. Bright acidity lifts flavors of cranberry, raspberry, and tart cherry. Mid-palate shows subtle spice, dried herbs, and a mineral edge. The cooler vintage produces a wine of remarkable purity and precision.
Finish
Crisp and refreshing with persistent red fruit and herbal notes. Delicate spice and floral nuances linger. This vintage exemplifies Grenache's ability to showcase elegance, finesse, and terroir expression in cooler years.
Food Pairing
This elegant Grenache pairs beautifully with:
Mediterranean Cuisine
Herb-crusted lamb, ratatouille, grilled vegetable platters, or Provençal chicken
Charcuterie & Cheese
Prosciutto, salami, aged Manchego, or soft-ripened cheeses
Light & Fresh
Duck breast with cherry reduction, mushroom tart, or tuna niçoise salad
Vintage Notes
2023 was a cooler vintage with well-timed rainfall and moderate temperatures. The extended growing season allowed for gradual ripening and exceptional flavor development. Later harvest captured ideal phenolic maturity while maintaining vibrant acidity and lower alcohol. This vintage showcases the hillside site's ability to produce Grenache of remarkable elegance and age-worthiness.
Drinking Window
Peak: 2026-2031
Approachable now but will reward patience, aging gracefully through 2033.
Purchase This Wine
Available for purchase directly from Hillside Estate Winery
Visit Winery Website →