27 Mar Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Bien Nacido Estate 2021 Grenache, Santa Maria Valley
There are many delicious wines out there and I get to taste and enjoy many of them. But sometimes a wine blows you away. You take a sip and you don’t have words as a smile crosses your face. That is what happened as I sipped the Bien Nacido Estate 2021 Grenache, Santa Maria Valley. I don’t know exactly what it was about this wine that stood out above the rest. Each wine I had tasted before was just as good. But there was something about this wine that “knocked my socks off” and that is why it is the Please The Palate wine of the week.
About Bien Nacido
Bien Nacido is one of the oldest cool-climate vineyards in California and home of the world’s most single vineyard designations. Located in the Santa Maria Valley, Bien Nacido, which means “Well Born” in Spanish, was planted on the historic site of the Rancho Tepusquet land grant, a plot of land that was granted to Tomás Olivera in 1837, when California was still a part of Mexico. The Olivera Family’s adobe, built in 1857, still stands on the estate today. Brothers Stephen and Bob Miller purchased the property in 1969 and planted 300 acres of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in 1973. Since then, under the Miller Family’s stewardship, Bien Nacido Vineyard has become one of the most coveted sources of cool-climate Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah in the world. Cool-climate Grenache needs to be added to that list.
Tasting Notes
The 2021 Bien Nacido Estate Grenache was aged in 40% new 500 liter barrels. This wine is a beautiful expression of Grenache with its lifted aromatics of floral, cherry, pomegranate, earth, and baking spice notes. The wine has a freshness to it that is found on the nose and on the palate. The wine is medium-bodied with textured acidity and balanced tannins. The wine is smooth and elegant with a fresh lift on the finish.
Food Pairing
Grenache is a versatile wine that can pair with rich, bold foods like spicy dishes and meat, or lighter foods such as grilled fish or vegetables. And of course, Grenache pairs with cheese plates. The 2021 Bien Nacido will pair with just about anything.
Where to Purchase
The 2021 Bien Nacido Estate Grenache retails for $75 and is available at the winery or on the Bien Nacido website.