Royal Nonesuch Farm Farm Red York Mountain 2022 (750ml) *
Not sold online
Description
Grenache takes the lead here, at 73% of a Rhône-inspired blend rounded out with Syrah, a touch of Graciano, and a splash of white Clairette. Royal Nonesuch Farm made this 2022 Farm Red in the York Mountain AVA of California, fermenting with a good proportion of whole clusters (60% stems) and raising it for close to two years in 500-liter barrels, a format gentle enough to let the fruit speak.
The color is a bright ruby edging toward plum, and the aromatics are perfumed and lifted: wild strawberries, rose petals, sappy green herbs, and a dusting of white pepper. It carries itself in a medium to full-bodied frame, seamless across the palate, with balance that never tips toward weight or heat. The finish stretches out with real length, and the whole thing has an elegant, almost translucent quality that Grenache achieves only when it's handled with restraint. Built to reward patience over the coming decade.
Product Details
| Category | Wine |
Expert Reviews
Reminding me of a Châteauneuf du Pape from sandy soils, the 2022 Royal Nonesuch Farm Red has a ruby/plum hue to go with perfumed notes of wild strawberries, rose petals, sappy green herbs, and white pepper. It's beautifully balanced, medium to full-bodied, has a seamless mouthfeel, and outstanding length. It has a Rayas-like style that's rare to find, and I don't make that comparison lightly. Drink this gorgeous Grenache over the coming 10-12 years. The blend is 73% Grenache, 17% Syrah, 8% Graciano, and 2% Clairette Blanche, fermented with 60% stems and aged 22 months in 500-liter barrels. (Jeb Dunnuck, August 2024)
Crushed ashen stones and musky blackcurrant give way to dusty dried violets as the 2022 Spine slowly blossoms in the glass. Savory in style, it offers soft textures and cooling acidity, with tension building through a saturation of peppery red and black fruits. A hint of sour citrus adds balance as grippy tannins resonate, tapering off with fantastic length and a spicy persona. The 2022 Spine was picked before the heat spike and was fermented with 25% whole-cluster fruit. (Vinous)