2Hawk Grenache Rogue Valley 2020

The Data

Country USA

Appellation Rogue Valley

Varietal Grenache

Retail Price $34

ABV 13.9%

Score 4.5 Stars/95 points

In the Glass

Appearance

Brilliant, medium ruby color.

Aromatics

The aromatics are intense, offering scents of red cherry and wild berries with supporting notes of violet, forest floor, and hibiscus flower.

Flavor

The palate echoes the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of slate, red plum, raspberry, and hints of five spice. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins.

Intensity & Texture

Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a silky 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

B+

You would be hard-pressed to find a better American-made Grenache for the asking price — fewer than 100 cases were made.

Analysis

BevX readers know that we love Grenache — and 2Hawk makes one of our favorites. The 2020 vintage was a challenging one. A dry winter followed by a cool and wet May then finally September brought windstorms and wildfires. Fortunately, these conditions resulted in setbacks and smaller crops rather than total loses. You certainly cannot spot the difficulties in the glass as this 2020 Grenache is absolutely delicious. The wine is a blend of 84% Malbec co-fermented with 16% Syrah. It was fermented with native, wild yeast as are all 2Hawk wines then rested in French oak — no new barrels with a majority of neutral barrels — for a period of just six months. Grenache’s elegant aromas and flavors don’t need or want a heavy-hand with oak — winemakers matter.

How to Enjoy

Serve at cellar temperature — no decanting is required but it will develop and bloom for hours after opening. Pair with your favorite charcuterie or steak tartare.