“The joy of discovery is certainly the liveliest that the mind of man can ever feel.” – Claude Bernard

We’re overjoyed today dear Operatives, it’s International Grenache Day. Right, not Cab, not Pinot, but we’re celebrating Grenache, the underdog…

With a CdP made from 100% pure Grenache bringing a PAIR of 95 point scores - at almost half off!!

It should then come as no surprise that the genius behind this top-of-the-line, micro-production prestige cuvée is Philippe Cambie, who, no matter what project he takes on, hits big in the 95-100 range.

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate points out “run by the Jeaune Family, with consulting advice from Philippe Cambie, the wines of Grand Tinel always lead with fruit and possess beautiful and classic Southern Rhône characters.” That, and then some! Leave it to us to take the $95 retail price and beat it to submission all the way to a shocking $49.

Philippe Cambie remains the only consulting winemaker in France that we know of who can, if he sees a fit for his craft, instantly transform a winery into a high-scoring machine. His track record includes Clos Saint Jean in the South of France to Jamet in the North to his California collaboration with Manfred Krankl of Sine Qua Non, he truly is one of the top consultants in the world.

Under the cork you’ll find black, purple, and blue liquid that oozes out of the bottle like jet fuel. The nose could easily be worn as a perfume, with heady aromas of macerated clove-studded cherries, bright kirsch notes, a touch of molasses and balsamic, and earthy minerals. One sip and the mind is blown to oblivion with spicy rich black and blue fruits freshly cracked Tellicherry and even Sichuan peppercorns. The long, long finish leaves you yearning for the next sip, as the sweet tannins resonate seemingly in an endless loop, where few Grenaches have ever gone before. Enjoy on its own with cigars, or over a lavish platter of well-aged cheeses, and luxurious charcuterie.

Too bad the US gets only 6 barrels each vintage there are just a few cases that won’t last the day.

95 Points – Jeb Dunnuck

“Based all on Grenache brought up in foudre and old barrels, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Alexis Establet sports a deeper, saturated purple color as well as beautiful blueberries, blackberries, leafy herbs, ground pepper, and crushed rock-like minerality. Elegant yet powerful, with medium to full-bodied richness, it shines for its balance, complexity, and length.”

95 Points – Wine Enthusiast

“Despite clocking in over 16% abv, this Grenache offers pure, pulsating flavors of red plum and kirsch. Matured 12 months in oak, it’s accented by subtle layers of smoked cherrywood and vanilla bean, framed by firm, well-integrated tannins. It is immediately approachable, but should drink beautifully through 2030.”