A Tribute to Grace Grenache, Hofer Vineyard | 2022

When I tasted this rare Hofer Vineyard Grenache by Angela Osborne, it was like discovering a new galaxy of flavor. The pedigree is unprecedented: a vineyard planted in 1919, of head-trained, own-rooted Grenache vines, a la Château Rayas-like sandy soils, 1-hour east of Los Angeles, next to an airport, of course.  Here, in a place called the Cucamonga Valley, it’s the antithesis of the perfectly manicured California vineyard, but the results are divine. At just 12.1% alcohol, it’s remarkable how much character Angela squeezes out from her Grenache with its spirals of cherry fruits, bits of jamón, and velvet cake spice. Foot-trodden with her kids, followed by punch-downs over 14 days, there’s a surprising backbone despite the shakingly low alcohol. Reminiscent of an old Burgundy or old-school Piedmont, I can’t wrap my brain around how this wine is authentically Californian. I had to have it all, a whopping 12 bottles left in the state. Well, now 11, because I’m saving one for myself. ~Allegra Angelo