2021 Grenache Blanc

Beautiful, translucent golden color. Aromas of white peach, brioche, honeydew, pear, and wet stone. Bright and clean entry with medium body and a refreshing, mouthwatering finish. TG (3/22)

After a dry winter, the vines struggled to find water and nutrients during the growing season. This, coupled with limestone-rich soils, resulted in a wine with greater concentration, lively acidity, and appealing minerality. All the grapes were pressed as whole clusters, then aged on the lees for six months. This vibrant grenache blanc is enjoyable now, or for added complexity, can be aged for four to five years.

Paso Robles is the epicenter of new Rhone plantings in California. We are fortunate to be able to source grapes from Adelaida Vineyards, who planted grenache blanc, roussanne, viognier, and picpoul blanc among other more established varieties such as grenache noir, syrah, and mourvedre (or mataro). Their vineyard lies on the limestone hills of the Adelaida District, thirteen miles from the Pacific coast. Warm days, cool nights, and balanced vines promote great acidity in the grapes.

Rainfall: Just under 10 inches
Bloom: Late May
Weather: Winter was very dry, with less than 10 inches of rain. Spring and summer were typical of Paso Robles’ west side; cool nights and warm days.

Harvest Dates: 4 & 27 September
Grapes: Average Brix 22.7˚
TA: 6.15 g/L
pH: 3.21
Fermentation: 100% direct-to-press whole cluster. 100% natural primary and secondary (malolactic) fermention.
Barrels: 88% barrel aged in air-dried American oak barrels (20% new, 80% two to six years-old); 12% concrete tank aged.
Aging: Five months in barrel

Sustainably farmed, hand-harvested grapes; whole-cluster pressed; fermented on the native yeasts; full malolactic on the naturally occurring bacteria; oak from barrel aging; minimum effective SO2, 35 ppm at crush and 63 ppm during aging. Pad filtered at bottling. In keeping with our philosophy of minimal intervention, this is the sum of our actions.

JamesSuckling.com: 93 Points “A white with crushed stone and sliced lemon rind with some white peaches. Sliced apple, too. Medium to full body. Some lime at the end. Cofermented. 90% grenache blanc, 6% roussanne, and 4% picpoul. Drink now.” -James Suckling (October 2022)

OwenBargreen.com: 93 Points “The 2021 Ridge Vineyards Grenache Blanc has a small portion of Roussanne and Picpoul blended in. The nose shows beautiful star jasmine tones alongside Japanese pear and salted brioche notes. The palate is incredibly fresh and vibrant with a seamless texture. Very juicy and bright, this is drinking beautifully now and will continue to evolve nutty and earthy tones over the next six plus years.” -Owen Bargreen (August 2022)

Wilfred Wong: 92 Points “Racy, slightly savory, dried rosemary; good palate presence and compelling rocks-in the desert finish.” (September 2022)

Vinous Media: 91 Points “The 2021 Grenache Blanc, from Adelaide Hills, shows the pedigree of the vintage in spades. Citrus peel, white flowers, almond and sage all grace this taut, nervy white from Ridge. Drink it over the next 2-3 years.” -Antonio Galloni (October 2022)

JebDunnuck.com: 90 Points “The 2021 Grenache Blanc, which includes a touch of Roussanne and Picpoul, comes all from the Adelaida Vineyard in the northwestern side of the appellation. It has textbook notes of juicy citrus, pear, and honeyed minerality in a more medium-bodied, fresh, vibrant style that will shine on the dinner table. I like it today, yet this will evolve nicely for at least 4-6 years.” -Jeb Dunnuck (August 2022)