2018 Edaphos Grenache, Steel Plow Vineyard, Sonoma County, California (750ml)   

Edaphos means "ground, base or soil" and is the second non-Burgundian label from our friends Erin and Todd at Ernest Vineyards. They wanted Edaphos to focus on "small lot wines that represent the purest expression of the combination of varietal and terroir" from lesser common varietals in California like Grenache and Barbera.

The bright fruity aromas and flavors to take center stage Erin so deftly describes the wine, "On the nose it is very easy to pick up dried cherries, red roses and wet pebbles, with underlying notes of dried herbs, such as thyme and oregano. On the palate the wine is very dry, light and fruity but earthy and gripping. The subsequent, and profuse salivation that follows the first sip, suggests this Grenache will show its "true colors" when paired with birds and game meats accompanied by roasted vegetables. The finish is persistent and brings you back to the wine's initial floral and dried fruits character, confirming its mischievous nature and deceiving early assumed delicacy."