Halcón Esquisto Grenache Blend 2018
- Textured, savoury
- Mendocino
There’s no shame in admitting you haven’t heard of Halcón before. This rising star of a cult producer from the Yorkville Highlands of Mendocino County (Mendo to locals) in Northern Cali lays claim to the highest-altitude vineyard in the region. The wind-lashed mountainous plot contains densely-planted vines grown in the same type of ancient shist soils that are found in Cote-Rôtie. Paul and Jackie Gordon, the team behind Halcón, are making arguably the closest thing to Rhône-style reds (and a bit of pinot noir) that can be found in North America (and doing it organically). These are rare wines that will reset your understanding of how much balance, nuance and complexity can come out of California wines.
Profile
Esquisto is the Gordon’s take on the famous Southern Rhône GSM, but with a bit more M than S in this one. It’s 70% grenache, 20% mourvedre and 10% syrah, and the winemaking utilised 40% whole clusters, native yeast and only seasoned French oak. Wine Enthusiast Magazine put Esquisto as #28 in their Top 100 Cellar Selections with the raving review found below.
Reviews
Wine Enthusiast
“Arresting raspberry and rosemary aromas lead to lip-smacking, fresh crushed-berry flavors in this medium- to full-bodied wine made with an unusually high 40% of whole clusters. Its moderate tannins and good acidity lift the gorgeous fruit flavors nicely. Best from 2024.”
It’s cool, we get it, you want to know absolutely everything about this wine. Well here you go, go nuts.
Specs
- Region
- Mendocino
- Vintage
- 2018
- Cellaring
- 2030
- Preservatives
- Sulphites
- Alcohol by Vol.
- 13.9%
- Closure
- Cork
- Bottle Vol
- 750mL
- Blend Info
- 70% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah
- Serving Temp.
- 15°C