Maison Bleue La Montagnette Grenache 08

2008 Wine Advocate - 93 points - The 2008 La Montagnette Grenache is sourced from the Alder Ridge Vineyard. It was blended with 15% Syrah and aged in seasoned French oak for 10 months. Medium purple in color, it offers up aromas of kirsch, pepper, smoke, spice box, raspberry, and black cherry. On the palate it is full-bodied, opulent, and savory with layers of fruit, excellent balance, and plenty of volume. This lengthy wine can be enjoyed now but will evolve for several years. It is also an outstanding value."

"Maison Bleue Family Winery may be the most compelling new producer uncovered in my 2010 trip to Washington. Former dentist Jon Martinez has become a full-time vigneron; he is the owner and grower of French Creek Vineyard near Prosser and two years ago he purchased 21 acres in Yakima Valley. All of the wines (with one exception) are produced from individual vineyards and the reds are bottled without fining or filtration."

From the winery -

A deep garnet colored Grenache with aromatics of dark plum, kirsch liqueur, white pepper and a slight smokiness. These rich aromatics are followed in the mouth by an opulent, heady wine with loads of glycerin, blackberries and fine grain tannins. The finish is long and supple with dark fruits making a final surge at the end. This wine pairs well with beef, grilled pork, lamb, poultry, wild game, tuna, pasta and mild, firm cheeses. 85% Grenache/15% Syrah