Mission Codename Power of 3
“…will easily stand up to a great Châteauneuf-du-Pape…” – Wine Advocate
That, and then some. The trifecta behind this project is some of the greatest Rhône varietal winemakers ever united for a singular project.
Just like the trio behind it, it’s got triple the 94 points the original price slashed in half. Be prepared to have your palate blown away, if among the lucky few to spot this wine here before it sells out.
Perhaps James Molesworth for Wine Spectator put it best early on: “I’m sometimes leery of joint ventures—they often wind up being compromised wines, without a true sense of self. There are notable exceptions though, and the Tenet wines are getting off on the right foot… a distinct sense of place while neither exaggerates a style just to make a point.”
We only got 10 cases - so there they go.
94 Points – Jeb Dunnuck
“Created in 2013, Tenet Wines is a collaboration between Chateau Ste. Michelle’s head winemaker Bob Bertheau and the Rhône Valley’s Michel Gassier and Philippe Cambie. There are three wines under this label: the flagship Tenet GSM blend and The Pundit Syrah, both from the Columbia Valley in Washington, and Fervent Syrah which comes from Michel Gassier’s Costières de Nîmes estate in the Southern Rhône. Showing similar to last year, the 2015 Tenet GSM is a terrific blend of 40% Grenache, 38% Mourvèdre, and 22% Syrah that saw one-third stems and 13 months in larger oak. Black raspberries, blackberries, tobacco, and licorice notes all emerge from this full-bodied, supple, gorgeously layered GSM blend that has sweet tannin and a great mid-palate. Drink 2018-2026.”
94 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“Working with the team at Ste. Michelle, the dynamic duo of Michel Gassier and Philippe Cambie make these rich, fruit-forward, sexy Washington State releases that deliver the goods. The 2015 Pundit is the finest vintage for this cuvee to date, and the more expensive GSM will easily stand up to a great Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The 2015 Tenet GSM checks in as a blend of 43% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 22% Mourvèdre that was brought up in a mix of barrel and concrete. It offers a ripe, forward, incredibly sexy style as well as notes of blueberries, black raspberries, spice and licorice. Textured, rich and layered, it’s already hard to resist yet will keep for 7-8 years.”
94 Points – James Suckling
“An array of sanguine, sappy and stemmy notes around an array of brambly red and blue berries and gently smoky nuances. The palate has approachable, tangy red-fruit flavors, while punchy tannins kick crunchy into the finish.”
What the Winery Says
2015 'GSM' Columbia Valley Red
- Winemakers
- Bob Bertheau, Michel Gassier, & Philippe Cambie
- Varietals
- 40% Grenache, 38% Mourvèdre, 22% Syrah
- Vintage
- 2015
- Alcohol
- 15.5%
- Appellation
- Columbia Valley, Washington State
- Soils
- Sandy silt, gravel, and basalt
- pH
- 3.89
- Aging
- 13 months
- Barrels
- 40% new 500-600-liter French oak