Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard 'Hook Vineyard' Grenache 2022

Winemaking

Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard approaches Grenache with a focus on preserving the varietal's elegant, nuanced character rather than pursuing extraction or power. The winemaking philosophy emphasizes the cool-climate influence of the Santa Cruz Mountains, allowing the wine's natural acidity and mineral spine to shine through without heavy manipulation.

Tasting Notes

This Grenache opens with inviting red fruit aromatics—strawberry and raspberry—layered with subtle white pepper spice and a whisper of garrigue that speaks to the vineyard's coastal influence. On the palate, the wine is graceful and well-balanced, with silky tannins that frame flavors of bright red berries and white pepper without overwhelming the wine's delicate structure. The acidity cuts cleanly through the mid-palate, and the finish lingers pleasantly with persistent red fruit and a touch of mineral earthiness.

Producer

Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard is an established producer in California's Santa Cruz Mountains appellation, known for farming high-elevation vineyard sites that yield wines of distinctive balance and complexity. The estate's commitment to quality viticulture in this challenging but rewarding terroir has made it a respected name for both Grenache and other Mediterranean varietals suited to the region's cool, fog-influenced climate.

Terroir

The Santa Cruz Mountains appellation sits in the coastal ranges south of San Francisco, where elevation and maritime influence create a cool growing environment ideal for elegant, lower-alcohol wines. The Hook Vineyard specifically benefits from the region's well-draining, mineral-rich soils and the moderating effect of Pacific fog, which extends the growing season and builds complexity in the fruit while preserving acidity and freshness.

Food Pairings

Serve this with roasted chicken thighs with rosemary and lemon, or try it alongside a composed dish of pan-seared duck breast with cherry gastrique. Its silky tannins and bright acidity also make it an excellent match for charcuterie and aged cheeses on a casual evening.