2019 True Believer Wines Reserve
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The 2019 True Believer Reserve, a blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Roussanne, comes from the True Believer estate vineyard, where head-trained vines are planted in sandy soils. "We pick by ripeness, not by variety," winemaker Chris Hammell, who has also been farming the Bien Nacido Vineyard for 21 years, explains. "For example, the first ferment could be 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah, while the last ferment is more like a GSM as the Mourvèdre and Roussanne come in at the end of the season." Each lot has its own oak regimen, so percentages of new wood vary on this blend. Medium ruby, the Reserve unfolds slowly in detail and intensity: raspberry and pomegranate unfold to mixed tea leaves, tangerine peel and lilac aromas. The full-bodied palate is supple and alluring, with layer after layer of perfumed fruits and fireworks of mouthwatering acidity. It's generous yet energetic, defined and layered, and I can't get enough of the haunting, spicy finish.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate
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The 2019 Reserve checks in as 62% Grenache, 28% Syrah, 8% Mourvèdre, and the rest a mix of other varieties. Fermented with 30% whole clusters and aged in 75% new French oak, it reveals a translucent ruby/plum hue as well as a classy bouquet of red and black fruits, wildflowers, licorice, herbes de Provence, and sweet spice. Pure class on the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, has more elegance than the more powerful 2018, a seamless, perfectly balanced mouthfeel, and a great finish. This is pure Grenache gold that will drink well for a decade or more.