92 Points -
The 2023 Grenache Morning Chorus Vineyard, from a site on Sonoma Mountain, is very young but very promising. Pine, blood orange, lavender and dark cherry tones flesh out across the broad, caressing palate, but a strong toasty oak imprint stands in the way of the wine's definition today. Still, there's great depth of fruit and ample mid-palate heft to make this a joy to drink. A nip of mountain structure on the finish adds a bit of flair. - Billy Norris, Anthony Galloni's Vinous, January 2026
Only 48 cases made - 10 cases are left!
Tasting Notes
The wine’s aroma opens with notes of dried strawberries and tobacco leaves. Flavors of plum, lifted by polished fine-grain tannin, lead to a long and elegant finish with hints of cinnamon and orange peel.
Historic Acclaim
2023: 92 Points, B.N., Anthony Galloni's Vinous, January 2026
2021: 92 points T.C., Wine Enthusiast, December 2024
Vineyard & Vintage Character
This vineyard is on a volcanic northern slope of Sonoma Mountain at about 750 feet in elevation. Here, the landscape is dotted with live oak trees, and the air is filled with birdsong. The climate of the region is mainly driven by the overnight cooling effect of fog from the Pacific Ocean that drifts into Bennett Valley and this side of Sonoma Mountain, while daytime sees plenty of sunshine on the vines due to slightly higher elevation. The soil series is known as Goulding Cobbly Clay Loam and is the predominant soil type of the area. Being weathered basalt and igneous rock, it is very well drained, providing a growing site that is well balanced for excellent Grenache.
Wine Details
Oak: 100% French oak; 18% new.
Time in oak: 20 months
Alcohol: 14.7 %
TA: 5.6 g / L
pH: 3.61
Cases produced: 48
No fining or filtration