A Tribute to Grace Grenache, Hofer Vineyard 2022 (750 ml)

From ancient, dry-farmed vines in Rancho Cucamonga, 42 miles east of Los Angeles. These own-rooted vines grow in sand in a head-trained style befitting wizards. Tall wizards. And certified organic to boot. Fermentation was 100% de-stemmed, with neutral 500L puncheon aging for 14 moons. Notes of sage, pink peppercorn, rhubarb and sandalwood abound, in the kindest shade of ruby. 12.1% abv. ... I am a New Zealand born winemaker who moved to California in 2006 with the dream of making Grenache. In the land from which I stem, the climate is too cool to ripen this sun-loving beauty. And so began my search: northern Spain, southern France, southern Australia, California… Abundant sunshine and entrepreneurial spirit led me to the latter, and in 2007 I sourced my first Grenache fruit from the Santa Barbara Highlands Vineyard. Nestled high above the Pacific Ocean and 33 miles inland, this high-desert vineyard provided the perfect balance of heat and light I sought. I chose to name my label after