(50% Grenache Gris, 50% Grenache Blanc). We offered this bottling last spring, and it has grown leaps and bounds in complexity and depth in the intervening time. An absolutely classic Popelouchum Blanc. The varieties were pressed together and cofermented in older, neutral barrels, 100% malolactic, no addition of bentonite, and bottled without filtration. What is most noteworthy about this wine, apart from its distinctive, quasi-saline quality and persistence on the palate, is the level of natural acidity, even post-malo. (The climate of Popelouchum very closely approximates that of the Roussillon, windy and rather cool in the evening.) While eminently drinkable now, this wine will continue to evove for years to come. Approximately 300 cases were produced. 13.5% ABV.
Virginie Boone in Jeb Dunnuck’s newsletter: 92 pts.
Given two hours of skin contact, the trick in making the 2022 Grenache Gris/Grenache Blanc was taming the acidity, so winemaker Randall Grahm picked the grapes a little riper than usual. Medium-bodied, it has a lush mouthfeel and is crowd-pleasing in its restrained richness and well-defined sality-laden flavors of ripe pear. Drink now-2030