Grenache

Fermented in concrete, one quarter whole cluster, then aged 18 months in large barrels, this is sophisticated, cutting edge winemaking in service to fruit from this one-of-a-kind, uniquely sited vineyard. As you might expect, it’s a stunningly great bottle of wine. My favorite Grenache over many years has been the Cayuse GOK bottling; this is its equal with less funk, more rock, and even more compact power. If you love Grenache, this is essential. Dense cranberry, raspberry and other red berry fruits, sappy acids, powerful concentration and impressive length. It’s all here for a long-lived and beautifully built bottle of wine. I finished drinking this bottle after it had been open a full three days, and it remained delicious up to the very last sip.

- Paul Gregutt

The 2022 Liminal Grenache is a breathtaking showcase of Red Mountain’s ability to produce profound expressions of this varietal, rivaling top-tier Grenache from anywhere in the world. From the first pour, the wine captivates with its vibrant garnet hue and an intricate aromatic profile. Layers of red cherry preserves and raspberry coulis mingle with wild sage, lavender, and hints of scorched earth, revealing a striking bouquet. On the palate, this Grenache is both opulent and precise, weaving together notes of ripe cranberry, red plum, and crushed wild herbs. Aged for 18 months in large French oak barrels, the wine displays a seamless integration of its structure and flavors, accented by mineral nuances and a saline edge that lingers elegantly. The fine-grained tannins provide a backbone of sophistication, while the vibrant acidity ensures lift and freshness. With its luxurious texture and extraordinary balance, this wine is an unmistakable triumph, perfectly suited for aging. This wine will flourish over the next 12–15 years. 79 cases made. Highly recommended and editor’s choice.

- Jeremy Young, International Wine Report

The 2022 Liminal Grenache is a dense and burly style of this varietal reminiscent of some of the newer vintages of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Red cherry cordial, dried yarrow and sage and suggestions of smoldering earth all combine on the nose with Linzer torte accents. The palate is ultra-refined and elegant with serious texture and underlying tension. Salty and rich, enjoy this beautiful [wine] now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2024-2036.

- Owen Bargreen

A burst of chalk dust, white pepper, savory herbs and saw dust gives way to dried strawberries as the 2022 Grenache High Canyon Series WeatherEye Vineyard comes to life in the glass. Juicy to the core, this envelops the palate with silken textures, showcasing liquid violet florals and depths of ripe blackberries and spice. Seamless is the word, as the 2022 tapers of long and staining with a wild blueberry concentration that adds a tactile grip framed by silty tannins.

- Eric Guido, Vinous

From the earliest plantings in the WeatherEye Vineyard by Washington, visionary viticulturist Ryan Johnson, the fruit is fully allocated to the Liminal brand, less than an acre block of bushed-trained Grenache vines. Smoky tones open the aromatics, with notes of clove, violet florals and salted blood orange. The palate is mouthcoating in its richness. Baking chocolate with mint, an exotic spice blend, and smoky sea salt delivers loads of savoury depth. Ample fruit is present with black cherries, currant and a note of dark citrus verve. 25% whole cluster, concrete fermentation and 18 months in large format French oak.

- Clive Pursehouse, Decanter

Fermented in concrete with 25% whole cluster, this wine was subsequently aged 18 months in large format French oak barrels. The aromas are reserved at present, bringing notes of brown stem, red fruit, cigar box, black tea, dried flower, and plum. Full-bodied, rich fruit flavors follow. It’s opulent, but the coolness of the vintage keeps it all in balance. The purity is impressive. Enjoy from 2026 to 2031. Cellar Stocker.

- Sean P. Sullivan, Northwest Wine Report

I always look forward to tasting through the LIMINAL lineup with Chris Peterson. Each of the wines is made from parcels within the WeatherEye Vineyard, communicating the importance of this site. What is even more fascinating is that the first planting in WeatherEye took place in 2016, meaning that even as of 2022, we’re talking about vines that are just six years old. Just imagining what they will yield down the road is exciting, to say the least. Peterson leans into pure expression of the site with this portfolio, letting the vines speak through the glass, with a moderate amount of whole cluster fermentation and refinement in either neutral barrels or with just a tiny amount of new oak. LIMINAL is a project to watch closely in Washington State.

- Eric Guido, Vinous