Popelouchum Blanc San Benito AVA 2022 (750ml) *
Product price
$44.99
Description
A pairing of two Rhône whites rarely seen on their own, Grenache Gris and Grenache Blanc, this 2022 comes from Randall Grahm's experimental Popelouchum estate in California's San Benito AVA. First planted in 2014, the vineyard runs low-yielding with minimal irrigation, and the wine leans on grapes rooted in the Rhône. The blend tips slightly toward Grenache Gris at 54 percent, with Grenache Blanc filling out the rest, and a short spell of skin contact adds texture to the finished wine.
The grapes came in a touch riper than usual here, a deliberate move to soften the acidity, and the result is medium-bodied with a lush, almost plush mouthfeel. There is real restraint to the richness, so it reads as generous rather than heavy. Ripe pear sits at the center, well-defined and threaded with a saline edge that keeps everything lifted and fresh. Approachable now and holding well over the next several years.
Product Details
| Category | Wine |
| Country | USA |
| Region | California |
| Producer | Popelouchum Sparkling San Benito |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Size | 750 ML |
| Subtype | Still |
Expert Reviews
Given two hours of skin contact, the trick in making the 2022 Grenache Blanc Grenache Gris Popelouchum Vineyard Estate (54% Grenache Gris, 46% 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, salinity-laden flavors of ripe pear. Drink now-2030. First planted in 2014, Randall Grahm’s experimental San Benito vineyard is low yielding and has minimal irrigation. His focus, as always, is on grapes rooted in the Rhône. (Jeb Dunnuck, April 2025)