The 2018 Red Wine God Only Knows is a truly mesmerizing blend of nearly all Grenache with a small part Syrah, sourced from the Armada vineyard, farmed at a mere 1.5 tons per acre. The incredibly savory nose features blood orange zest, red cherry candy, nori and pomegranate seed with stony undertones. The palate is liquid silk that makes this wine truly all its own. Lip-smacking acidity, beautiful tension and an exceedingly long finish add to the equation. The purity of fruit here is second to none. This very "Château Rayas" bottling is nothing short of perfection in the bottle.

Outer quote mark Gorgeous rose petals, wildflowers, cured meats, wild strawberries, and framboise-like notes emerge from the 2018 Grenache God Only Knows, another ethereal, sensationally complex, nuanced, medium-bodied Grenache that's as unique and singular as they come. Blossoming with time in the glass, it has ripe, present tannins, a layered, building mouthfeel, and a gorgeous, smoky, meaty finish. It needs 3-5 years in the cellar (it's far from unapproachable today) to integrate its tannins and structure and will deliver the goods over the following 10-15 years. This is a hard mailing list to crack, yet winemaker Christophe Baron continues to deliver the goods, releasing singular, exotic, incredible wines from his bevy of single vineyards in the Rocks region of the Walla Walla Valley. The 2018s show the rich yet focused, straight, elegant style of the vintage beautifully and are going to be incredibly age-worthy. While the Syrahs get all the love, don’t miss his Grenache, Tempranillo, and Bordeaux blends. His 2018 Grenache God Only Knows might be the finest Grenache I’ve ever tasted outside of France and few California releases. Inner quote mark (5/2021)

Outer quote mark Dried roses, plums, cherries, lemon zest and dried basil on the nose. It’s full-bodied with creamy tannins. Juicy, bright and savory with delicious layers of fruit and herbs. Hints of chocolate, too. Silky, supple finish. Drink or hold. Inner quote mark (7/2021)

Outer quote mark Erupting from the glass with spiced cherry and smoked plum tones, the 2018 Grenache God Only Knows Armada Vineyard offers up notions of dusty roses, red peppercorn and dried potpourri. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is balanced with energetic acidity, a spicy, red-fruited expression and fine-grained, succulent tannins. The wine concludes with a dusty essence and a lingering flavor of red pepper skin. The wine rested for 22 months in neutral French demi-muids and foudre. It's stunningly good, and I have no choice but to finish the glass. (AM) Inner quote mark (7/2021)

This wine is predominantly Grenache, harvested at just over one ton per acre. The aromas start out reserved for this appellation and estate, with notes of strawberry, peat, potpourri, smoked meat, clay and soot. Fuller-feeling potpourri and orange rind flavors follow, ramping up in intensity over time. The finish just will not quit, kicking it up a notch. Give it a bit of time in the cellar to reap the fullest rewards. Best after 2024.