Green apples, sage and a hint of spice are all present and nicely compliment that fascinating mineral character specific to Riesling. Above all else, this is a wine that speaks of texture; it is crisp, fresh and steely, while simultaneously creamy, supple and generous.

Our fruit comes from the Massal clone block, which has seven different clones of Syrah inter-planted sequentially. This makes for striking energy and complexity in the wine, as the different clones all have subtly different ripening schedules, and subtly different physioLodies - some more floral, some more tannic, and some more earthy.

The 2014 Rancho La Vina is soft, supple and very nicely balanced. Sweet re cherry, plum, white flowers and cinnamon grace the palate. Nicely linear and focused, with good overall energy, the 2014 is a very pretty wine to drink now and over the next few years. Sweet rose petal and lavender notes add perfume on the finish.

The result is a big, dense wine that shows the opulent side of Grenache. Dark cherries, plums, spices, and new leather explode from the glass in a wine built on richness. The inclusion of 17% whole clusters gives some balance to the wine’s intensity and gives lift to the flavors.