2021 "The Sorceress" Grenache 750mL
The 2021 Sorceress Grenache is 100% Grenache sourced from three exceptional sites: 41% WeatherEye Vineyard, 37% Upland Vineyard, and 22% French Creek Vineyard. The wine included 60% foot-stomped whole cluster during its long, cool fermentation and was then aged on the lees in neutral oak puncheons for 16 months before bottling. Showing notes of Asian incense, red sour cherries, fresh cut hay, cinnamon spice and strawberries, this powerful wine highlights the greatness of Grenache in Washington State. It's energetic from the lively acidity and stem inclusion. However, the tannins are refined and elegant. The 2021 Sorceress should age well for the next decade, but do not be afraid of popping one open sooner, preferably with great food, music, and friends.
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Varietal Composition | 100% Grenache |
| Appellation | Columbia Valley |
| Vineyard | Upland, French Creek & WeatherEye |
| Harvest Date | 09/16/2021 |
| Sugar | 25.5 brix |
| Acid | .48 g/100mL |
| PH | 4.05 |
| Aging | 15 months in neutral French oak puncheons |
| Fermentation | 1.5 ton stainless steel tanks |
| Residual Sugar | <.02 |
| Alcohol | 14.80% |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Bottling Date | 02/17/2023 |
Jeb Dunnuck - (91 Points)
The 2021 Grenache Sorceress Reserve is all Grenache and comes from a mix of the WeatherEye, Upland, and French Creek vineyard, fermented with 60% stems and aged in neutral oak. It's a more translucent Grenache and offers a perfumed, spicy, peppery, and floral/rose petal style that turns slightly more exotic, meaty, and gamey with air. It's nicely balanced, has medium-bodied richness, ripe, polished tannins, and a great finish. It's already complex and nuanced, but it's going to evolve nicely for at least a decade. 500 cases.
Owen Bargreen- (95 Points)
This has been a standout Grenache wine made by the Sleight of Hand winemaking team. The latest version of "The Sorceress' blends manly comes from the WeatherEye (41%) and Upland Vineyards (37%). The Grenache underwent roughly 50% whole cluster fermentation. Once on the nose this takes on fantastic aromatic range from fresh guava and blood orange zest alongside shades of loamy soils, yarrow and red rose petals. The palate is fresh and viscous with tremendous weight, verve and texture. You are met with a thrilling array of red fruit flavors alongside kumquat zest, salty soils and exotic spices. For my palate this is the finest edition of 'The Sorceress' done yet. Enjoy this seductive wine now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2023-20231
Wine Enthusiast - (93 Points and Editors Choice)
There's nothing reserved about this Sorceress. Hedonistic aromas of Bing cherries, molasses and a savory note similar to roasted bone marrow spread on toast points capture the imagination. Red fruit reappears on the palate in the form strawberries and raspberries, with additional flavors of basil and green tea. Enjoy with any Eartha Kitt album.
Robert Parket's Wine Advocate - (92 Points)
Made from three distinct vineyards, the 2021 Grenache The Sorceress is spicy and fresh with a juicy frame of dusty florals. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is zesty and fresh, with juicy acidity followed by spicy potpourri and flavors of dusty herbs that linger on the food-friendly finish. Give it a try.
Vinous - (92 Points)
Pretty strawberry and rose tones give way to a dusting of autumnal spice as the 2021 Grenache The Sorceress Reserve slowly opens in the glass. This is round and pliant on the palate. Sweet sage complements the juicy red fruits. It finishes with chalky tannins, a lingering tension and sour cherry notes. There will be no single-vineyard 2021 Grenache from Sleight of Hand, as all that juice was used to bolster the Sorceress.
International Wine Report - (93 Points)
Displaying a neon medium ruby core with a lighter brick rim, the 2021 Sorceress is all Grenache from the Columbia Valley. More red-fruit driven on the nose with aromas of macerated strawberries, crushed cherries that move towards dusty road and cedary herbs. Tannins are a bit elevated but with the mouthwatering acidity, this should age well for another decade or more. Better in 2024. 2024-2034
