2021 Faethm Fingers Crossed Grenache

Leading off the bottled reds, the 2021 Grenache Unanswered Prayers is based on 76% Grenache, 11% Syrah, and the rest Mourvèdre, Petite Sirah, and a few white varieties. It's a beautifully concentrated, medium to full-bodied Grenache with loads of ripe black cherry and black raspberry-driven fruit as well as some gamey, peppery, herbal undertones that turn more marine-laced salty, and sea breeze-driven with air. I love its overall balance, and it has ripe, wonderfully integrated tannins and outstanding length. It needs 2-3 years of bottle age but should evolve like a great Châteauneuf du Pape, with 10-15 years of overall prime drinking.

The 2021 Grenache Unanswered Prayers incorporates 11.3% Syrah, 5.5% Mourvèdre, 4% Petite Sirah and 2.7% Chardonnay. It spent 20 months in 38% new French oak and was fermented with 42% whole clusters. The nose is a beautiful yet pensive combination of savory, woody and floral tones glued together with powerful but deft dark fruit aromas. The palate is plush and precise, delivering luscious, juicy textures before concluding on a slightly inward note with subtle hints of alcohol-tinged heat. While the spirituous finish causes me to recommend this be consumed in the near term, it is ultimately quite enjoyable.

The 2021 Grenache Unanswered Prayers is every bit as compelling as it was last year. Black cherry, plum, licorice, spice, gravel and incense are all dialed up in this vibrant, chiseled Syrah. The 2021 offers a compelling mix of fruit opulence and energy. This is such a gorgeous wine.