2Hawk Grenache Rogue Valley 2017
The Data
Country USA
Appellation Rogue Valley
Varietal Grenache
Retail Price $32
ABV 14.2%
Score 4.5 Stars/95 points
In the Glass
Appearance
Brilliant, medium ruby color.
Aromatics
The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry and cassis with supporting notes of boysenberry jam, five spice, leather, and slate.
Flavor
The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black plum, forest floor, and dried herbs. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins.
Intensity & Texture
Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with an opulent yet vibrant texture.
Cool Factor
We at BevX absolutely love Grenache and especially so when it's perfectly balanced while delivering complex flavors like the 2Hawk Grenache.
Value Grade
Selling north of $30 this wine won't be found in the cheap and cheerful section of your wine store but as we consider the superior quality and the fact that fewer than 200 cases were made — we find it to be a bargain.
Analysis
The 2Hawk Grenache is made with a blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah. No doubt the Syrah adds depth to the color and mingles seamlessly with the Grenache on the nose and palate. BevX readers know that we love Grenache. For 2Hawk the 2017 vintage was one that rewarded patience as August 2017 was one of the coolest in two decades allowing the fruit to develop slowly while pushing back the target harvest date. Harvest began on September 8 and did not complete until November 2! The grapes were all fermented with wild yeasts and aged in French oak, 70% two-years-old, for nine months. The resulting wine is wonderfully complex while generously hedonistic like Grenache can often be.
How to Enjoy
Serve at cellar temperature with nothing but a glass or pair it with grilled fowl or anything with bacon and fresh herbs.