Grenache noir is France's second most planted grape variety after Merlot and thrives in the sun-soaked south of the country, especially the Vaucluse département, where most of the southern Rhône wines are produced. It is only the thirteenth most planted grape in California and most of the red wine production is dedicated to budget priced blends. Very little domestic red wine is labeled as Grenache. The name is more commonly associated with a sweetish rosé, which probably discourages people from tasting the red versions. Like the winemakers of the southern Rhône, we found that Grenache-Syrah blends make better wines than straight Grenache. This bottling is 76% Grenache and 24% Syrah, both grown in Dolan's biodynamic Dark Horse Vineyards. It was aged 10 months in French oak barrels and the wine has plenty of brawn and bravado to match the heartiest stew or the strongest aged cheese. Gold Medal winner. Best of Class.