It Was National Zuidema Day Yesterday! (While Almost)
Pulled two of Rudy Zuidema’s spectacular Grenache wines last evening from the wine cellar. Wanted something fruity, spicy and a medium body. The 2014 was ready to drink and was a very good wine. However Rudy Zuidema’s 2016 Grenache was spectacular! You can read more on the background of his project at:
His Clone 515 Grenache from Chateauneuf du Pape heritage continues to produce a delightful summer and fall wine. Minerality and a rustic flare still persists in the wine and the 2016 is aromatic with black cherry and as Rudy states “notes of cocoa and fig newton”. Add to this plum with soft tannins, it engulfs and surrounds the palate with fruit and spice. A wine very worthy to have in the cellar for any evening or occasion. This has made My Best Wines of Year, 3 straight years and his 2017 Grenache will also make the 2021 Best Wines of the Year List. To get such aromas and character from an old world meets new world Grenache, at $42, made this even more enjoyable. His current release is the 2017.
Sláinte,
Michael
California Wines & Wineries 